Avtar Singh Khanda

Avtar Singh Khanda
Born	Moga, Punjab, India
Died	(2023-06-15)15 June 2023 City Hospital, Birmingham, England
Occupation	9th Jathedar of Khalistan Liberation Force

Avtar Singh Khanda was a Sikh militant and 9th Jathedar of Khalistan Liberation Force. He was raised in Moga, Punjab, India and sought asylum in the United Kingdom. He took part in demonstrations at the Indian High Commission in London in March 2023 where Indian news media allege he tore down the Indian flag. This allegation is contested and he was not arrested by the Metropolitan Police.

He died in City Hospital, Birmingham on 15 June 2023, aged 35, following a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Doubts were raised about the circumstances of his death in light of allegations surrounding the involvement of the Indian government in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Khalistani separatist. Khanda's father Kulwant Singh Khukhrana, a well known khalistani died when Avtar was a few years old.^[1] Widely reported, but unsubstantiated speculation, attributed his decline, from apparent health to hospitalization and death within days, to poisoning by blood clotting agents. The West Midland Police concluded there were "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding his death. The Government of India has denied any involvement in his death.^[2][3]

Khanda's family, represented by the barrister Michael Polak, have called for an inquest to be held.^[3]

References

1. Kant, Aditya (15 June 2023). "Who was Kulwant Singh Khukhrana, Avtar Singh Khanda's father?". The Statesman. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
2. "Thousands to attend funeral of Sikh activist - but not one family member will be present".
3. Kirchgaessner, Stephanie; Sabbagh, Dan (2 October 2023). "Family of Sikh activist calls for inquest into Midlands hospital death". The Guardian.