New Delhi: A high-powered inquiry committee has submitted a report regarding threats to security between India and the United States. It has recommended legal action against an individual linked to criminal and terrorist groups that threaten India-United States security.
Although the official press release does not mention the name of the individual, the name of Vikash Yadav, a former RAW officer had surfaced earlier for his alleged involvement in a failed assassination attempt of Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York in 2023.
The US raised security concerns with India, while Canada too accused Indian operatives of the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh connected to the Khalistan movement.
On receipt of information provided by the US authorities “regarding activities of some organised criminal groups, terrorist organisations, and drug peddlers, who undermined the security interests of both India and the US”, the high-powered enquiry committee was set up by the Government of India in November 2023.
The enquiry committee conducted its own investigations and pursued leads provided by the US side. It said it received full cooperation from US authorities, and the two sides also exchanged visits. The Committee further examined several officials from different agencies and scrutinised relevant documents in this connection.
Today, the Union Home Ministry said that after a long enquiry, the committee submitted its report to the government and recommended legal action against “an individual” whose earlier criminal links and antecedents also came to light during the enquiry.
Among those named in the allegations was Vikash Yadav, a former officer of India’s external intelligence agency, RAW. While Yadav’s previous criminal activities were acknowledged, the Ministry of Home Affairs chose not to disclose the name of the individual recommended for action by the high-powered enquiry committee.
The high-powered enquiry committee recommended that the legal action must be completed expeditiously, and further suggested functional improvements in systems and procedures as well as initiation of steps that could strengthen India’s response capability, and ensure systematic controls and coordinated action in dealing with matters like this.
– global bihari bureau
