New Delhi, India

Vikash Yadav, who last month was charged by the Department of Justice (DoJ) in the "murder-for-hire" case linked to pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been granted an unexpected break from attending his ongoing trial.

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Yadav had moved an application before a Delhi court requesting an exemption from attending his case hearing, citing a threat to his life.

A Delhi court, after reviewing his application citing significant security risks, exempted him from attending hearings until February 3, 2025. His lawyer, R K Handoo, filed the plea, asserting that there was a false case registered against Yadav by the Delhi Police. It also claimed that Yadav's life was in jeopardy due to personal details – including his photographs and home address – being circulated publicly.

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To support the claims, they attacked news reports that showed his picture. He also claimed that because of the threat to his life, he could not even join the hearing through videoconferencing, as his location may get traced. 

Allegations against Yadav

Yadav’s troubles first erupted in December 2023, when he was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with a kidnapping and extortion case. 

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Just weeks earlier, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) had identified him as “CC-1” (co-conspirator) in the alleged murder-for-hire plot. According to US authorities, Yadav was allegedly working for the "government of India's Cabinet Secretariat, which is a part of the Indian Prime Minister’s Office." However, the Ministry of External Affairs swiftly denied this, asserting that he was "no longer an employee of the government of India". 

Released on bail in April after a four-month stint in Tihar Jail, Yadav, in October, was added by the FBI's New York office to its wanted list.  

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Yadav's security fears

In his two-page application to the Delhi court, Yadav described his escalating fears for personal safety. He explained that his photos, house details, and other private information were now public, heightening the threat to his life. 

The court, taking these claims seriously, granted Yadav the requested exemption. He now has until February 2025 to prepare for his next appearance. 

Speaking to The Indian Express, Yadav's lawyer said, "There is a security threat to his life, and we have moved an application for exemption from the court hearing. The court has approved his request and gave him exemption."  

(With inputs from agencies)