A leading UK newspaper, The Guardian, has raised several doubts about the sudden death of Sikh activist Avtar Singh Khanda in its editorial. According to the article released, his family has demanded a new investigation into his death. Avtar Singh Khanda died in a hospital in Birmingham in 2023, where he was admitted after falling ill.
According to the medical report, the cause of death was acute myeloid leukemia (a serious type of blood cancer).
In a letter sent by the family’s lawyer, Michael Pollock, to West Midlands Coroner Lewis Hunt, it has been stated that nerve agents, biological or nuclear substances were not tested during the investigation into Avtar Singh Khanda’s death. They demanded that the decision not to open an inquiry taken earlier be withdrawn. Pollock also said that the police investigating Khanda’s death ignored his phone, laptop, conversations with friends or colleagues, searches of his home or information about other possible attacks. The death came at a time when there was a long series of attacks on Sikh activists abroad against India. Two activists were killed in Canada and Pakistan, while another activist was attacked in the US, who survived. Forensic pathologist Dr. Ashley Fegan-Earl, appointed by the family, said in her report that hospital tests did not show any direct results of poisoning, but pointed out that “many specific toxins do not leave any specific traces behind” and are not detected unless there is suspicion. Dr. Earl said that in such cases, the help of specialized labs such as Porton Down, Kew Gardens and specialized experienced scientists is required. Pollock’s letter includes a witness statement from Jaswinder Singh, Khanda’s friend and advisor to the Sikh Federation UK, who said West Midlands Police confirmed in a 2024 meeting that the police investigation did not include reviewing Khanda’s phone, laptop, speaking to his friends, colleagues, searching for his home address or considering information about attacks on Sikh activists around the world. Sikh organisations have also demanded that there be a fair investigation into the death of Avtar Singh Khanda so that the truth can come out and justice can be served.
