NEW DELHI, Jan 15 (Reuters) - India announced on Wednesday that a committee established to investigate Washington's allegations of Indian involvement in a thwarted murder plot on U.S. territory against a prominent activist had suggested taking legal action against an undisclosed individual.
The U.S. has initiated an examination into the Justice Department's assertion that an unnamed Indian intelligence officer oversaw plans to eliminate a dual Canadian-American citizen, a prominent Sikh separatist, in 2023.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated on Wednesday that the committee had scrutinized the actions of "certain organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, etc., who jeopardized the security interests of both India and the U.S.".
India has maintained a low profile since declaring in November 2023 that it would formally probe the allegations, while simultaneously engaging in a diplomatic rift with Canada regarding the assassination of another Sikh leader in June 2023.
In a statement, the ministry mentioned that the committee had "recommended legal action against an individual, whose prior criminal connections and background emerged during the inquiry," without revealing further details about the person, emphasizing the need for a swift completion of the legal procedures.
The White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett commented, stating that the U.S. appreciates "this positive initial move" and anticipates the enforcement of legal measures within the Indian legal framework.
The U.S. Department of Justice portrayed Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence official, as the ringleader behind the 2023 scheme to assassinate Pannun. The U.S. indictment was made public in October.
A lawyer representing Yadav declined to comment on the report.