In a shocking development, Avtar Singh Khanda, also known as Ranjodh Singh, the principal orchestrator of the violent protests at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, has been found dead in Sandwell hospital in Birmingham. Khanda, who was the face of the protest and a self-styled chief of the designated terror outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), passed away while receiving medical treatment. The cause of his death remains unknown, pending the awaited medical report.
Khanda, a political asylum seeker in the UK, played a significant role in radicalizing Sikh youth and promoting the separatist movement for the so-called Khalistan. His father, a former KLF terrorist, was killed by security forces in 1991, and his mother was related to another KLF terrorist, Gurjant Singh Budhsingwala, who had strong links to the Pakistani deep state.
Supporters of Khanda, including pro-Khalistani elements, are reportedly hoping the medical report will indicate poisoning. They intend to declare him a martyr and lay blame on Indian security agencies for his alleged murder. However, it is important to note that Khanda had been battling blood cancer and was admitted to the Sandwell and West Birmingham hospital two weeks prior to his demise.
Khanda, along with three other separatists, had been identified by the National Investigating Agency as the principal accused of dishonoring the Indian flag during the orchestrated protest at the London High Commission. Despite prior intelligence provided by the Indian High Commission to the UK intelligence agency MI-5 about the anticipated violence on March 19, the UK Police faced criticism for their perceived lack of action against the protestors.
Like other Khalistani sympathizers, Khanda entered the UK through a student visa and quickly associated himself with the separatist movement prevalent in certain gurudwaras. These gurudwaras, which are allegedly managed by Khalistani supporters, have been accused of collecting funds for terrorism under the guise of addressing human rights violations against the Sikh community in India.
The Indian intelligence agencies had previously raised concerns about Khanda’s involvement in violent activities on three separate occasions before March 19, 2023. He used to propagate anti-India sentiments on the now-shut-down UK-based pro-Khalistani KTV, alongside Jagjeet Singh Jeeta, until April 2022, when protests from the Indian community in Britain compelled UK Ofcom to take action.
Khanda, along with other individuals such as Paramjeet Singh Pamma, Joga Singh, Kuldip Singh Chaheru, Gursharan Singh, and others, had participated in numerous protests outside the Indian High Commission in London in the past, further fueling tensions between the Indian diaspora and pro-Khalistani elements.
The death of Avtar Singh Khanda has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his passing. While his supporters are hoping for a medical report indicating foul play, it is essential to await the official findings. The incident has reignited discussions surrounding the activities of pro-Khalistani groups in the UK and the challenges faced by Indian authorities in dealing with such individuals and their impact on bilateral relations.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities on both sides will be closely monitoring the developments to determine the cause of Khanda’s death and address any potential implications for the ongoing dialogue between India and the UK.
