Non-bailable warrant against former R&AW officer Vikash Yadav named in Pannun murder plot case

Yadav had earlier moved applications before the Delhi court seeking exemption from appearance citing a 'threat to his life'

A Delhi court has ordered that a non-bailable warrant (NBW) be issued against former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer Vikash Yadav, who was named by the US in connection with the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Yadav did not appear in court despite “repeated calls”. The matter pertains to the abduction and attempted murder case lodged against Yadav and others on a complaint by a Delhi-based businessman.

A report by ThePrint said the former R&AW officer earlier cited threats to his life as the reason for not appearing in person for the hearings. Yadav had earlier moved applications before the Delhi court seeking exemption from appearance. However, on Monday, he did not file any fresh application.

According to Indian Express, Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Partap Singh Laler of Patiala House Courts said Yadav was absent since morning. “Issue NBWs against accused Vikas Yadav and notice to his surety under Section 491 Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (the procedure when bond has been forfeited) for October 17,” he said.

Yadav was arrested on December 18, 2023, by the Delhi Police Special Cell after an FIR was filed against him on a complaint from a Rohini resident, accusing him of extortion and kidnapping. The FIR also linked him to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

Yadav and an alleged associate were later let out on bail in the Rohini case even as a chargesheet was filed by the police.

According to IE, Yadav was also being linked by investigators to an alleged member of the Mahadev Online Book betting racket in Dubai.

Meanwhile, Yadav’s alleged associate Abdullah Khan moved an application before the court for extending the release of his passport. Khan claimed his father was diagnosed with blood cancer for which he has to visit Dubai, Singapore and the UK for additional medical opinion. “In view of submissions made, extension of release of passport is allowed till next date of hearing on October 17,” the court said as quoted by IE.