India strongly rebukes a recent report by The Washington Post, dismissing claims that a former RAW officer orchestrated a plot to target Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the report as “unwarranted and unsubstantiated.”

Jaiswal emphasized that an ongoing investigation, led by a high-level committee established by the Indian government, is actively addressing security concerns raised by the US regarding criminal and terrorist networks.

He cautioned against speculative and irresponsible comments on the matter.

This latest controversy follows tensions sparked in November 2022 when the Financial Times reported the US had foiled a plot to assassinate Pannun and issued a warning to India regarding its alleged involvement.

Subsequently, an indictment filed in a Manhattan court named Indian national Nikhil Gupta as a conspirator, alleged to have collaborated with an unnamed Indian official, referred to as “CC-1,” in the plot.

The Washington Post identified “CC-1” as Vikram Yadav.

India has consistently refuted these accusations, deeming them “contrary to government policy.” In response, a high-level inquiry committee was established in November 2023 to probe the allegations further.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed earlier this month that India’s national security interests are at stake in the investigation into the alleged involvement of a government official in the assassination plot targeting Pannun.

The report by The Washington Post also highlighted that the Biden administration refrained from pressing charges against Vikram Yadav.