Delhi Court Issues NBW Against Ex-RAW Officer Vikas Yadav Named by United States in Pannun Murder plot

The warrant was issued after Yadav failed to appear before the Court in a pending case of alleged kidnapping and extortion despite repeated calls since morning.

The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Saurabh Partap Singh Laler of Patiala House Courts, who also issued notice to Yadav’s surety under Section 491 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which deals with forfeiture of bond.

The judge noted Yadav’s continued absence, despite his presence being repeatedly called during proceedings. “Issue NBWs against accused Vikas Yadav and notice to his surety under Section 491 BNSS for 17.10.2025,” the order stated.

Yadav had previously moved exemption applications before the court citing a “threat to his life,” which were allowed. However, on Monday, he failed to file a fresh exemption plea, prompting the Court to take coercive action.

Yadav was arrested on December 18, 2023, by the Delhi Police Special Cell following an FIR lodged by a Rohini resident who accused him of kidnapping and extortion, allegedly in collusion with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. His arrest came just weeks after US authorities publicly named him in connection with the alleged Pannun assassination plot.

Although he was later granted bail in the Rohini case, investigators continued to probe his alleged nexus with both underworld elements and international networks.

In the same proceedings, the Court heard an application filed by co-accused Abdullah Khan, who sought further extension of his passport release. Khan, who is on bail, argued that his father had recently been diagnosed with Essential Thrombocytosis (ET), a form of chronic blood cancer, requiring specialized medical consultations abroad.

His counsel submitted that Khan needed to accompany his father to Dubai, Singapore, and the UK for second and third medical opinions. Supporting medical documents were annexed with the plea.

While Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Mukul Kumar opposed the request, cautioning that granting such permission could enable Khan to abscond, the court took note of Khan’s prior compliance.

“Previously also the applicant/accused has been allowed to travel abroad and he is never reported to have misused the liberty granted. In view of submissions made, extension of release of passport is allowed till NDOH i.e. 17.10.2025, subject to the same terms and conditions mentioned in the order dated 28.05.2025,” the court held.

The matter has now been posted for arguments on charge on October 17, 2025. Copies of the order were directed to be sent to the Investigating Officer (IO) and Station House Officer (SHO) for necessary compliance, with a copy also handed over dasti to Khan.

The developments came against the backdrop of an ongoing lawyers’ strike across Delhi district courts, which entered its third day on Monday. The strike was called by the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations in protest against a notification issued by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, permitting police to present evidence virtually from police stations.

Despite the strike, the Court continued to hear urgent criminal matters, including those concerning Yadav and Khan.

By issuing NBWs against Vikas Yadav and extending Abdullah Khan’s passport under strict conditions, the Delhi court has underscored its dual approach: strict enforcement of attendance against absconding accused while showing measured leniency where genuine humanitarian grounds are established.

The next hearing on October 17 will be crucial in determining whether charges will be formally framed against both accused in the extortion and kidnapping case.