Avtar Singh Khanda, an asylum seeker, and Khalistani terrorist, passed away in a UK hospital in Birmingham late last night. The news of his death comes after Khanda, who was reportedly suffering from blood cancer, was listed as one of the 45 suspects wanted for the vandalization of the Indian High Commission in London on March 19. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had recently released the list of suspects, and it was later discovered that Khanda's health had deteriorated.

Khanda, known for his expertise in bomb-making, held a significant role as the head of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and served as the handler for Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh. In March, UK authorities arrested Khanda in connection with the vandalization of the high commission. The incident occurred during a protest organized by Khanda and his supporters, who were expressing their discontent with the crackdown on Amritpal. Khanda's involvement in the secessionist Khalistani movement was prominent, and he had affiliations with organizations such as Babbar Khalsa International and the ISI.

Born in Punjab's Moga district, Khanda hailed from a family deeply associated with the Khalistan movement. Throughout the years, he faced accusations of radicalizing youth not only in Punjab but also in countries like the UK, Canada, the US, Germany, and Australia, inciting anti-India sentiments. His connections with other Khalistani terrorists, including Jagtar Singh Tara and Paramjit Singh Pamma, an active member of the Khalistan Tiger Force, further exemplified his involvement in the movement. Khanda gained considerable attention during NIA investigations into Amritpal's activities, as he was believed to have helped him evade arrest for 37 days following the crackdown on their group, Waaris Punjab De.

In response to the March 19 attack on the Indian High Commission in London, the NIA has intensified its investigation. Late last night, the agency released pictures of the 45 suspects involved, urging the public to provide any information that could aid in their identification. Among the suspects, Khanda and his associates Gurcharan Singh and Jasvir Singh were already identified by the NIA, as they were named in the FIR filed by a high commission official following the incident. The agency is expected to issue lookout notices for them in the near future.

Earlier this week, the NIA shared a two-hour-long CCTV footage of the attack, seeking public support in identifying and apprehending the culprits. Today, the agency released photographs of the suspected Khalistani protesters involved in the incident. The viral videos captured during the protest depicted individuals carrying yellow and black Khalistan flags, demanding the release of Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De. Disturbingly, one of the protesters climbed onto a balcony of the high commission office, disrespectfully pulled down the Indian national flag, and caused significant outrage.

The investigation into the attack on the Indian High Commission, including the flag-pulling incident, remains ongoing as the NIA continues its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. With public assistance and information, the agency aims to ensure that those responsible for the vandalization and flag desecration are held accountable for their actions.

Avtar Singh Khanda

Avtar Singh Khanda (1988-2023) was a UK-based activist and journalist. He was the vice president of the youth wing of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar). ^[1] In 2023, Khanda hit the headlines when a group of pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the Indian High Commission in London, UK, during a protest against Punjab Police’s attempt to nab the Waris Punjab De chief https://wikibio.in/amritpal-singh/">Amritpal Singh. Khanda was believed to be the mentor of Amritpal Singh. On 15 June 2023, he died at Sandwell Hospital in Birmingham, UK.

Avtar Singh Khanda was born in 1988 (age 35 years; as of 2023) in Rode village of Moga district in Punjab Province, British India (Punjab, India). He studied in a model school governed by Arya Samaj. Owing to his father’s image as a separatist in India, various agencies, including the police would often raid their premises due to which the family shifted their home to various locations like Patiala, Ludhiana, and Moga in Punjab.

Avtar Singh Khanda belonged to a Sikh family.

His father, Kulwant Singh Khukrana, was a terrorist and was associated with the ‘Khalistan Liberation Force’ and ‘Khalitan Commando Force.’ He died on 3 March 1991 in a police encounter during the anti-Sikh riots after Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984. Khanda’s uncle, Balwant Singh Khukrana, also died during anti-Sikh riots. Avtar Singh had a younger sister. There is not much information about his marital status.

Avtar Singh Khanda followed Sikhism.

“Mission Khalistan”

Khanda was a pro-Khalistan supporter. He was often spotted expressing his views on separatism in various interviews. Khanda strongly advocated for the establishment of a separate Sikh state.

Avtar Singh worked as a presenter for the shows ‘Shera Di Kaum’ and ‘Itihaas’ on the channel Khalsa Television (KTV), also known as KTV Global. On 21 June 2022, Khalsa Television Limited surrendered its UK broadcasting license when the United Kingdom’s communications regulator, Office of Communications (Ofcom), found out that the show ‘Prime Time’ of the channel was promoting separatist propaganda that encouraged violence.

Vandalism at the High Commission of India in London