‘Unwarranted, unsubstantial imputations’: India on US report naming RAW agent involved in plot to kill Pannun | India News

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday reacted to an article by the Washington Post claiming that a member of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was involved in a plot to kill a Khalistani separatist and said that the report makes ‘unwarranted and unsubstantial imputations’ on a serious matter.
The report claimed that RAW member Vikram Yadav purportedly directed a contracted hit squad to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a separatist based in the United States.

The report suggested that US intelligence agencies have concluded that the mission aimed at Pannun received approval from then-chief of RAW Samant Goel. It further notes that Yadav was reassigned to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) after the failed Pannun operation came to light last year.

Highlighting that India is already investigating into the security concerns raised by the US government, India spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweeted, “The report in question makes unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations on a serious matter. There is an ongoing investigation of the High Level Committee set up by the Government of India to look into the security concerns shared by the US government on networks of organised criminals, terrorists and others. Speculative and irresponsible comments on it are not helpful.”

India taking this seriously: White House
The White House stated that India is taking the allegations regarding the plot to assassinate Pannun in the US seriously. However, it refrained from commenting on the FBI probe into the matter and the criminal case filed by the Department of Justice.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, addressing reporters on Monday, said that the investigation is ongoing, with the Department of Justice conducting a criminal probe. She emphasised the importance of India as a strategic partner and highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two nations.

Regarding the alleged assassination plot, Jean-Pierre reiterated the seriousness of the matter and noted India’s commitment to investigating it. She stated that the US will continue to raise concerns directly with the Indian government and expects accountability.
Pannun is a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement and serves as the legal advisor and spokesperson for Sikhs for Justice, advocating for a separate Sikh state. The Indian government has designated Pannun as a terrorist.
The reported plot to kill Pannun coincided with the fatal shooting of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year, also allegedly linked to Yadav.