NRI Jagtar Singh Johal, UK resident, acquitted in 9 terror cases

Los Angeles/Mar 05, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh man detained in India for seven years on terrorism charges, has been acquitted in one of the nine cases against him.

Johal, a 38-year-old from Dumbarton, was arrested in Punjab in 2017, weeks after his wedding, over alleged involvement in targeted killings of religious and political figures. A district court in Moga has now cleared him of conspiracy and terrorism-related charges.

His legal team argues that all charges against him are based on similar allegations and should be dismissed. His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, has urged the UK government to intervene, stating, "My brother has had seven years of his life wasted in jail. The UK government needs to bring him home."

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) welcomed the court's decision and reaffirmed the UK government's commitment to supporting Johal and his family.

Johal was accused of financing the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and aiding in attacks against Hindu nationalist and religious leaders. His supporters claim he was abducted, tortured, and forced to confess under duress. The Indian government denies any mistreatment and insists due process has been followed.

The case has faced multiple delays, but this acquittal marks a significant development. Eight other terror-related cases against Johal remain pending in Delhi courts. His legal team and campaigners continue to push for his full release, citing a lack of credible evidence and unreliable witness testimony.

In 2022, a UN panel declared his detention arbitrary and called for his immediate release, citing discrimination based on his activism and religious beliefs. His case remains a key issue in UK-India diplomatic discussions.

West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister urged the UK government to act swiftly, warning that without diplomatic intervention, Johal could remain imprisoned for decades. Human rights group Reprieve called the ongoing charges a "mockery of justice."

Johal’s family remains hopeful, with his brother stating: "The light at the end of the tunnel is now getting brighter."

ver, Labour has yet to set clear targets for reducing illegal crossings, while Conservative MPs push for stricter immigration rules.

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