Delhi Court Drops Bombshell: Non-Bailable Warrant Against Ex-RAW Officer Vikash Yadav in Pannun Assassination Case

New Delhi, August 27, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, a Delhi court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer Vikash Yadav. The warrant comes after Yadav failed to appear in court despite multiple summons. His name had already been highlighted by the United States Justice Department in the sensational Gurpatwant Singh Pannun assassination plot case.

This move by the Patiala House Court has once again pushed the case into the international spotlight. It not only connects India’s legal system with a sensitive U.S. indictment but also raises tough questions about diplomacy, accountability, and transnational crimes.

Who Is Vikash Yadav?

Vikash Yadav is not an unknown name in India’s intelligence circle. He served in R&AW, India’s external spy agency, for years. Later, he allegedly went rogue and became a central figure in what the U.S. calls a murder-for-hire conspiracy.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, Yadav used the alias “Amanat” while plotting against Pannun.
He allegedly hired Nikhil Gupta, a Delhi-based man with criminal links, to arrange the killing.
The plan backfired when the supposed hitman turned out to be an undercover DEA agent.
Documents from U.S. prosecutors claim that Yadav provided personal details, surveillance information, and money to push forward the attack.

By late 2024, Yadav’s name was officially placed on a U.S. indictment list, charging him with murder-for-hire and money laundering.

The Delhi Court’s Order

The NBW was issued by Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Partap Singh Laler. The judge was not convinced by Yadav’s repeated absence from hearings. Earlier, Yadav had requested an exemption from physical appearance, claiming there was a threat to his life. While the court once allowed it, this time the absence triggered tough action.

The court also issued notice to his surety under Section 491 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The matter is now listed for October 17, 2025.
Legal observers say that if Yadav continues to stay away, the next steps could include proclamation proceedings and attachment of property.

This shows that the Indian judiciary is not taking the matter lightly, especially given the global attention it has received.

The U.S. Angle: Pannun Assassination Plot

The assassination plot was first made public in November 2023, when U.S. authorities revealed that pro-Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was the target of an international conspiracy.

Pannun, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, leads the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
He has been a sharp critic of India, calling for the creation of “Khalistan,” a separate Sikh homeland.
The U.S. accused Vikash Yadav of orchestrating the plan and involving criminal networks to carry out the hit.
His associate, Nikhil Gupta, was arrested in Prague in June 2023 and later extradited to the U.S.

The case was treated as a serious attempt of transnational repression, drawing comparisons to similar incidents in other countries where dissidents were targeted abroad.

Yadav’s Other Legal Troubles in India

Interestingly, the assassination plot is not the only case Yadav is linked to.

On December 18, 2023, he was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell.
The case related to extortion and kidnapping, following a complaint from a Rohini businessman.
The businessman alleged he was abducted and forced to pay money by Yadav and his associates.
A chargesheet was filed in March 2024, and Yadav was later released on bail in April 2024.

This domestic criminal record complicates his position further. Legal experts point out that until Indian cases are settled, any U.S. request for extradition might face delays.

Diplomatic Repercussions

The Pannun case has gone beyond courtrooms. It has turned into a diplomatic flashpoint.

In October 2024, U.S. officials demanded “swift and transparent accountability” from India.
India responded by forming a high-level inquiry committee, which traveled to Washington for consultations.
The case also echoed in Canada, where the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 had already strained relations.

For India, the case is a test of balancing national security, international trust, and legal process.

Timeline of Major Events

June 2023 – Nikhil Gupta arrested in Czech Republic.
November 2023 – U.S. exposes foiled assassination plot against Pannun.
December 2023 – Delhi Police arrest Vikash Yadav in an extortion case.
March 2024 – Chargesheet filed in Delhi case.
April 2024 – Yadav released on bail.
October 2024 – U.S. Justice Department formally indicts Yadav.
October 2024 – India forms committee to probe U.S. allegations.
August 27, 2025 – Delhi court issues non-bailable warrant against Yadav.
October 17, 2025 – Next scheduled hearing in Patiala House Court.

What Lies Ahead?

With the NBW now issued, the pressure is clearly mounting on Vikash Yadav. His absence is no longer seen as a personal safety concern but as a possible attempt to dodge accountability.

If he fails to appear in the next hearing, the court may start proclamation proceedings under Section 82 CrPC-style provisions in BNSS.
His assets and properties could face legal attachment.
The case will also influence India’s diplomatic credibility with Washington.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to push India for greater transparency. For now, all eyes are on the October 17 hearing, which may decide the future course of this high-profile case.