In a small village near New Delhi‚ the family of Vikash Yadav finds themselves at the center of an international incident. The 39-year-old Indian ex-official‚ accused by U.S authorities of orchestrating a murder plot‚ has reportedly brushed off the allegations as false media reports
Yadavs cousin‚ Avinash told Reuters on 10/20/24 “The family has no information“ about his work for the spy agency adding‚ “He never mentioned anything about it“ despite regular communication. For them‚ Vikash remains a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer – a role he took up roughly 15 years ago
The U.S Department of Justice claims Yadav led an unsuccessful scheme to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader about a year ago. They allege he was part of Indias Research and Analysis Wing; however India stated heʼs no longer a government employee (without confirming his past role)
Avinash‚ 28‚ stated‚ “For us he is still working for the CRPF. He told us he is deputy commandant“ and trained as a paratrooper. The family is unaware of Vikashs whereabouts; he reportedly lives with his wife and year-old daughter
Yadavs mother‚ Sudesh‚ 65 expressed her disbelief: “What can I say? I do not know whether the U.S government is telling the truth or not. He has been working for the country“
The U.S accuses Yadav of directing another Indian citizen to pay a hitman $15‚000 for the assassination. However‚ Avinashs response highlights their modest living conditions: “Where will so much money come from? Can you see any Audis and Mercedes lined up outside this house?“
In Pranpura village‚ where nearly 500 families traditionally send young men to join security forces‚ Yadavs family maintains his innocence. His father‚ who passed away roughly 17 years ago was a border force officer; his brother works with Haryana police
Another cousin‚ Amit‚ 41 described Vikash as a quiet‚ studious boy interested in athletics and marksmanship. He stated‚ “Only the government of India and Vikash know what has happened“ urging officials to inform the family
The relatives are seeking support from the Indian government. Avinash pleaded‚ “We want the Indian government to support us‚ they should inform us what has happened. Otherwise where will we go?“