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Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda Azaad

 

Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda was born on 10th May 1988 to the blessed womb of mother, Mata Charanjit Kaur and father, Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukrana, in the village of Rode, where Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale was also born. Bhai Avtar Singh was one of two children and had a younger sister, Bibi Jaspreet Kaur. Bhai Avtar Singh studied up to twelfth grade and went on to enrol at university to study a BA degree. He felt the wrath of oppression even through his study years. Bhai Avtar Singh tied a style of turban known as a Dumalla. However, the educational institution did not advocate the free practice of the Sikh faith, as they were suppressed by anti-Sikh elements. They continuously harassed him to stop wearing this style of turban.

 

Frustrated at this discrimination, Bhai Avtar Singh quit the university and changed career path to then enrol into the Information Technology Institute (ITI). Alongside this he set tests for IELTS.

From a very young age Bhai Avtar Singh and his family had very close ties and sangat with the Jhujaru Singhs; the likes of Shaheed Bhai Manohar Singh Dheera Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu and many others. Having successfully completed his IELTS, Bhai Avtar Singh made plans to move to England in 2009/2010. In the UK, Bhai Avtar Singh continued with further studies and worked a job to earn a living and become financially self-sufficient.

 

In 2014, the case to fight for the release of Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar was under great advocacy with masses of Sikh sangat protesting in support. Bhai Avtar Singh took this case close to his heart and was fully involved in supporting this case. He took it upon himself to get as much publicity on the case as possible and spearheaded the western countries alike. Bhai Avtar Singh was an exceptional speaker and he utilised this talent and skill to create as much awareness as possible on Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar’s case. His conviction and ways to educate the masses brought him into the lime light and many prominent Sikh leaders and sangat alike were positively influenced. The world began to know of Bhai Avtar Singh by listening to his speeches. Not only did he speak about the oppression and discrimination of the Indian justice system when it came to Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar’s case, but he also exclaimed the need for our own homeland. A free place which would relieve the Sikh nation from the bounds of the Indian shackles.

 

His talent in public speaking led him to work for a British broadcasted Sikh channel known as KTV. He worked here for many years, speaking about the Sikh cause for a free homeland and hosting many interviews with Punjabi artists. He was particularly well acquainted with Punjabi artists such as Babbu Maan and Raj Kakra. Most prominently it was known and public the close friendship he had with Deep Sidhu. Bhai Avtar Singh stood out from the crowd and was very vocal about the need for a free homeland. His activism was clear to see. He was not scared of any political suppression nor did he fear the loss of his life. His life’s aim was to create awareness and educate the generations in the west of the need for self-determination.

 

In 2016, the Indian state began to itch and were not liking the progressive activism spearheaded by Bhai Avtar Singh. False allegations and propaganda were spilled by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, stating that Bhai Avtar Singh had moved to the UK and setup a firearms factory. Insinuating that Bhai Avtar Singh was instigating terrorist activity. This was completely false. Bhai Avtar Singh was now a target in the eyes of the Indian state. But this did not stop his activism. He continued to speak out against the current affairs, such as the Farmers Protest which also brought into public view the close relationship he had with Deep Sidhu. Both were very vocal on the fight for the Sikh existence. Then came the change in the political play in Punjab with the Aam Aadmi Party winning the elections, striking out the two main game players Congress and Akali Dal.

 

This followed the rise of a movement led by Bhai Amritpal Singh as the leader of Waris Punjab De. Thousands of Sikh youth saw this as another opportunity to continue the activism as ignited by Shaheed Bhai Deep Singh Sidhu. Bhai Avtar Singh fully supported the new rise in movement, participating in many protests and rallies organised in the west. Following the assassination of Deep Sidhu (Killed – 15th February 2022), killing of Sidhu Moosewala (Killed – 29th May 2022), then eliminating the leader of the Khalistan Commando Force Bhai Paramjit Singh Panjwar (Killed – 6th May 2023), there appeared to be a list of targets much like a hit list. This was reinforced by homeland agencies themselves. But no one would ever comprehend the lengths the Indian state would go to in eliminating such gems of the Sikh nation.

 

On 19th March 2023, a group Sikh activists protested outside the Indian consulate in central London. The hoisted Indian flag on the consulate was taken down by the protestors, the news of this spread world wide and the Indian media started blaming Bhai Avtar Singh for taking the flag down. The truth is Bhai Avtar Singh was not present at this protest, the protestor that took the flag down was arrested by the British police at the spot. But the Indian media used all its power to highlight Bhai Avtar Singh as the culprit for this, this was due to Bhai Avtar Singh was very vocal and active during the past few years as he was linked with Deep Sidhu and then Bhai Amritpal Singh (Waris Punjab De). To silence Bhai Avtar Singh would be a great achievement for Indian officials in the UK. Indian media tends to demonise its targets with lies on their media platforms, but Bhai Avtar Singh continued to dispel all propaganda that India put out against him via his social media and this became a slap in the Indian media’s face. Bhai Avtar Singh also exposed some police officers that were harassing his mother and sister in Punjab, want Bhai Avtar Singh to give up his support for Bhai Amritpal Singh and overall, for Khalistan.

 

On 11th June 2023, Bhai Avtar Singh was suddenly admitted to Birmingham Sandwell hospital. He had no history of illness nor any recent complaints of bad health. Within few days his health deteriorated and it was becoming clear that thus was a pre-meditated murder and killing by a suspicious substance or poison. Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda Azaad passed his last breath on 15th June 2023, surrounded by close Singhs. This showed clear signs of a pre-mediated murder and killing by a suspicious substance or poison. Only India was capable of doing such thing, and only they would benefit from the martyrdom of Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda Azaad.

 

Following is a statement from Singhs close to Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda:

Since the beginning, this whole incident had been viewed with suspicion by the Sikhs across the world. Not only due to the circumstances of Bhai Avtar Singh’s sudden death but due to the way he was demonised by Indian media. This demonising led to open threats against him and reporting on his death by Indian social media bot accounts before there was public knowledge on his death.

 

Following these circumstances Bhai Avtar Singh’s family, Panthic Singhs and Jathebandis decided to work collectively to carry out a thorough investigation into his death. This investigation is still on going, however we wanted to provide an update to the Sikh nation.

 

Key points (dated – 11th July 2923):

  • The death was reported to West Midlands Police (WMP) as an important step to initiate the coroner taking the matter seriously. WMP were provided with information regarding the circumstances and they interviewed those with immediate knowledge.
  • The case was passed to the senior coroner who was also provided details of suspicions and concerns.
  • Community organisations also raised their concerns to WMP and the coroner directly. Following the concerns being raised the coroner refused to perform a post mortem, did not take the concerns seriously, and treated the death as routine. There was no investigation by the coroner other than the absolute minimum effort. Further the coroner was insensitive to the family’s grief and written requests.
  • Family made repeated requests to conduct autopsy to eliminate suspicions of foul play.
  • Birmingham and Solihull coroner refuses to discuss and appreciate family’s concerns.
  • Coroner responds with negative and limited communication to simply avoid responsibility.

 

The WMP backtrack and refuse to issue a crime reference number, they failed to properly investigate Bhai Avtar Singh’s death as suspicious. WMP passed the responsibility to the coroner, causing further distress to the family.

 

The options for a private autopsy were pursed and a number of experts and specialists in this field were contacted. Surprisingly a number of private pathologists refused to accept this case to perform autopsy. Our sense was that they were aware of the high-profile nature of the issue and the accusations of foul-play involving domestic and foreign government.

 

Another local hospital agreed to perform a forensic autopsy and forensic toxicology and analysis for chemical poisoning agents, however the coroner refused to provide permission required to make a transfer. Further to this, the full details medical records and toxicology report requested from the hospital still remains outstanding. There is still no explanation as to the rapid decline in Bhai Avtar Singh’s condition within 72hrs to his sudden death. A letter was sent to the Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer at Birmingham City Hospital requesting urgent meeting, and we are still awaiting reply

 

We conducted an extensive search and a private doctor has been instructed to perform a forensic autopsy, this has been scheduled to take place soon.

 

It is clear that since 15th June 2023, WMP and Birmingham and Solihull coroner have been negligent in their duties. However, they have been co-ordinated in blocking, frustrating and avoiding responsibility to the family, instead of supporting and providing much needed answers in a sensitive time. The role of the police, coroner and Birmingham City Hospital has become suspicious and concerning in regard to their coverup of multiple failings and negligence in their duty of care.

 

Investigations into Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda’s death still continue…

 

Antim Sanskar

On 12th August 2023, the Antim Sanskar of Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda Azaad was done in Birmingham. The funeral was attended by tens and thousands of Sikhs and non-Sikhs to pay their last respects to him. The close Singhs to Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda tried to arrange Mata Charanjit Kaur, but the British authorities did not allow this to happen, even after appealing the rejected visa.

 

Tribute from 1984tribute.com

We are at a loss for words to articulate the profound impact that the passing of Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda will have on the Panth, as well as on our team at 1984Tribute personally. Since his arrival in the UK, we had the privilege of collaborating with Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda on numerous initiatives and worked closely with him almost daily brainstorming and planning new projects. He served as the host for all our interviews and shows broadcasted on our channel, in addition to his role as the Stage Secretary during all Shaheedi Smagams.

 

Following in the revered footsteps of his father, Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukrana, Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda devoted his entire life to advancing the Khalistan movement. His commitment has left behind an indelible legacy—a legacy we are committed to perpetuating. We pledge to continue his work, advocating for Khalistan and ensuring that the voice for our right to self-determination is heard loud and clear.

 

Information given by the family of Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda Azaad