In November 2017, a simple trip to India turned into a nightmare for Scottish activist Jagtar Singh Johal. What should have been a joyous occasion—his wedding—became the start of a harrowing seven-year ordeal that has drawn global attention. Snatched from the streets of Jalandhar, Punjab, without warning, Johal has since been detained without a conviction, sparking allegations of human rights violations and wrongful imprisonment.
A Shocking Arrest in Broad Daylight
On November 4, 2017, Johal was walking through the bustling markets of Jalandhar when he was suddenly surrounded by police officers. Witnesses claim he was hooded, forcibly taken, and whisked away in a vehicle. His family initially feared he had been kidnapped. Soon, however, it became clear that he was in police custody, accused of serious terrorism-related offenses.
The Indian authorities allege that Johal was involved in orchestrating targeted killings in Punjab and that he had links to the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). According to the prosecution, he provided funds used to procure weapons for attacks carried out between 2016 and 2017. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to support these claims, raising serious doubts about the credibility of the case.
Torture Allegations and Forced Confessions
Shortly after his arrest, disturbing details about Johal’s treatment in custody began to emerge. He alleged that he was subjected to brutal torture, including electric shocks, beatings, and threats of being burned alive. In a handwritten note smuggled to his lawyer, Johal described how he was coerced into signing blank papers that were later used as confessions.
In December 2017, a video surfaced showing Johal in police custody, supposedly confessing to his involvement in the attacks. His family and legal representatives argue that this so-called confession was obtained under extreme duress and is therefore unreliable.
A Legal Battle That Drags On
Despite being behind bars for more than seven years, Johal has not been convicted of any crime. This week, he was acquitted in the first of nine cases against him—a small but significant step toward justice. His defense argues that the charges are politically motivated, with authorities using him as a scapegoat in a larger crackdown on Sikh activism.
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned Johal’s detention and called for his immediate release. Even the UK government has raised concerns, urging India to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.
A Family’s Fight for Justice
Johal’s brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, has been at the forefront of the campaign for his release. From Scotland, he has tirelessly advocated for his brother, appealing to politicians, the media, and human rights organizations. He maintains that Jagtar was merely documenting the 1980s violence against Sikhs in Punjab and had no involvement in terrorism.
The pressure for his release is mounting, with increasing calls for diplomatic intervention. The UK government’s response has been criticized as inadequate, with campaigners demanding stronger action.
The Road Ahead: Will Justice Prevail?
As Jagtar Singh Johal completes his seventh year behind bars, his case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by activists and minorities in regions fraught with political tensions. With one acquittal down and several cases still pending, his fate remains uncertain.
Will justice finally be served, or will Johal continue to languish in prison for crimes he insists he did not commit? The world watches, waiting for the truth to emerge.
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