Call for Urgent Inquest into Suspicious Death of Sikh Activist Avtar Singh Khanda

Ali Imran Chattha

A fresh demand has emerged for a full inquest into the suspicious death of Sikh political activist Avtar Singh Khanda, following expert testimony suggesting he may have been poisoned.

According to renowned UK pathologist Dr. Ashley Fegan-Earl, the nature of Khanda’s death raises red flags and points towards possible foul play. His findings lend weight to long-standing allegations that Indian state actors may be involved in transnational repression, targeting Sikh voices abroad.

In particular, West Midlands Police are now under scrutiny for allegedly being complicit in a UK-based cover-up, failing to launch a thorough investigation into Khanda’s death — a move seen as part of a wider pattern of silencing Sikh activists in the diaspora.

Local MP Sarah Coombes (West Bromwich) is being urged to take immediate action. Activists say she has remained indifferent, despite Khanda being her constituent, and despite ongoing threats to other Sikh activists in the region. Notably, she was invited to two briefings — one at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick and another in Parliament in October 2024 — but did not attend either.

The Sikh Federation (UK) has offered to brief her on the recent developments and share confidential evidence submitted to the Joint Human Rights Committee. A redacted version of this evidence is expected to be made public soon.

For more details, please read and amplify the official statement by Sikh Federation (UK):

🔗 Sikh Federation (UK) Press Release on X (Twitter)