A district court in Moga acquitted Scottish national Jagtar Singh Johal in one of the nine cases, ruling that no credible evidence linked him to an alleged series of murders in 2016–17. A human rights activist, Johal has been in custody in Panjab for seven years on multiple terror-related charges, despite the absence of any physical proof of wrongdoing. He still faces eight near-identical prosecutions brought by India’s National Investigation Agency. Johal’s family and supporters, including the human rights organization Reprieve allege that he was tortured shortly after his 2017 arrest—just weeks after his wedding—and coerced into signing a false confession. They emphasize that the authorities provided no proof of bank transfers, recorded conversations, or any paper trail. His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, insists the entire case is baseless, urging the British government to press for immediate release in light of the Moga acquittal. Following his acquittal, House of Commons leader Lucy Powell joined several UK Members of Parliament in calling for urgent intervention. Meanwhile, on India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to the UK as he was leaving Chatham House, a group of Khalistan activists gathered to raise slogans against India and one activist rushed to the cavalcade and tore an Indian flag in front of it. Jaishankar’s visit highlighted India’s growing impatience with Sikh separatist activities. He discussed extremism with UK home secretary Yvette Cooper, urging action against pro-Khalistan outfits. Both nations resumed negotiations on a balanced free trade deal, hoping to boost ties worth GBP 41B. Meanwhile, a Babbar Khalsa International suspect, allegedly associated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh after allegedly plotting to target the Maha Kumbh (huge gathering) gathering at Prayagraj. Police seized grenades, arms, and a pistol. The accused had escaped Panjab judicial custody earlier in 2024 (earlier coverage).
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