A Delhi court has cancelled the non-bailable warrants (NBWs) that were issued against Vikash Yadav, a former officer with India's Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), just two days prior. The warrants were initially issued due to Yadav's absence from court hearings in a case involving alleged abduction and extortion of a businessman.

Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Partap Singh Laler of Patiala House Courts had issued the NBW on Monday, noting Yadav’s failure to appear despite repeated summons. However, on Wednesday, the court reversed its decision after Yadav's lawyers presented an application explaining that a lawyers' strike had prevented them from attending the Monday hearing. Judge Laler cancelled the NBWs and restored the surety furnished for his bail, scheduling Yadav's next appearance for October 17.

The case against Yadav stems from a complaint filed in December 2023 by a Delhi-based businessman, accusing him of abduction and extortion. Following the complaint, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested Yadav, and a chargesheet was filed in March 2024. He was subsequently granted bail in April 2024.

Adding a layer of international complexity, Yadav has also been implicated by U.S. authorities in an alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) indicted Yadav in 2023 for his alleged role in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Pannun, who is listed as a designated terrorist by India. The FBI has also listed Yadav as a wanted man in connection with this transnational conspiracy.

According to the U.S. indictment, Yadav allegedly coordinated with hired killers and international contacts to carry out the assassination of Pannun. Pannun is a U.S.-Canadian national and the self-proclaimed leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

In the related proceedings concerning the alleged abduction and extortion case, the court has extended the release of co-accused Abdullah Khan's passport until October 17, 2025, due to his father's ill health. The court acknowledged that Khan had previously traveled abroad without violating the terms of his release. Abdullah Khan, Vikash Yadav, and Jalaluddin alias Sameer are currently out on bail. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities identifying another suspect, Bikram Gogoi from Guwahati.

Yadav has cited "threats to his life" as the reason for his reluctance to appear physically in court. However, the court has expressed skepticism towards this justification.