UK Government, led by Rishi Sunak buried British intelligence on the Indian government’s transnational repression targeting Sikh activists
London – 7 November 2025
The Sikh Federation (UK) yesterday wrote to Dan Jarvis, the Security Minister following Bloomberg’s documentary titled ‘Inside the deaths that rocked India’s relations with the West’[1] that was released on Wednesday. The letter that was copied to Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary states the “revelation by Bloomberg has sent alarm-bells ringing for Sikh activists in the UK.”
The Bloomberg documentary makes reference to intelligence gathered in late July 2023 by British intelligence that Global News[2] has confirmed was GCHQ. The documentary states: “British intelligence would only be shared under strict conditions. It would be hand-delivered to Ottawa and kept off electronic systems and only a handful of Canadian officials pre-approved by London could see it.”
It has been reported the file was a summary of conversations intercepted by a British intelligence agency between individuals who analysts believed were working on behalf of the Indian government. They had discussed three potential targets: Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, Avtar Singh Khanda in the UK and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US. Later there was an exchange about how Hardeep Singh Nijjar had been eliminated.
The letter to the Security Minister states the “UK Government has intelligence from July 2023 about the Indian government’s transnational repression targeting Sikh activists that it has not shared or referred to when specifically asked by MPs representing the Sikh community”.
Dabinderjit Singh OBE, a Lead Executive at the Sikh Federation (UK) said: “We can reveal that Tom Tugendhat, the Security Minister at that time met UK MPs on 18 July 2023 to specifically discuss the Indian government’s transnational repression targeting Sikh activists in the UK.”
“The meeting was specifically arranged following the mysterious death of Avtar Singh Khanda on 15 June and the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on 18 June.”
“Tom Tugendhat remained silent about British intelligence from GCHQ in that meeting with MPs that has now been revealed by Bloomberg and Global News.”
“We can only assume the PM Rishi Sunak, who is close to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was responsible for the cover up and extremely cautious approach adopted of hand delivering British intelligence to Canadian officials pre-approved by London.”
The letter to Dan Jarvis continues: “We are particularly concerned about British intelligence held that is relevant to the mysterious death of Avtar Singh Khanda.” The letter has been copied to Michael Polak, the barrister representing the family of Avtar who is calling for an inquest and inquiry into his death. The revelation by Bloomberg suggests the West Midlands Police and coroner may have been kept in the dark or there has been a cover up.
The Bloomberg documentary is based on the case of Nikhil Gupta who is facing a trial in the US for the murder for hire plot of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun that was foiled. The documentary refers to evidence disclosed in that case of a direct connection between Gupta and someone called ‘Amanat’. It has been suggested that Vikash Yadav who was directing operations from India may have used “Amanat” as an alias when communicating with his co-conspirator Nikhil Gupta. However, the Sikh Federation (UK) has cast major doubts on this theory as “Amanat” is a female name.
In the letter to Dan Jarvis reference has been made to Indian RAW agent Sarvesh Raj who was expelled from the UK in July 2023. It has been pointed out Sarvesh Raj’s wife is ‘Amanat’ Mann who continued to operate as an Indian government agent from Birmingham before recently returning to India where she has been promoted. She is currently the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Tamil Nadu.
The letter states: “We understand Barrister Michael Polak acting for Avtar’s family may be putting forward evidence of the possible role of UK-based Indian intelligence agent Amanat Mann in the killing of Avtar Singh Khanda. We understand she was in direct contact with Avtar that was not examined by the police.”
There is also expected to be media reporting of foreign political interference and a disinformation campaign by the Indian government that was admitted by Amanat Mann and targeted Keir Starmer and Morgan McSweeney against a leading Sikh activist entering the House of Lords.
The Sikh Federation (UK) has requested urgent meetings with Dan Jarvis and Yvette Cooper so they can reassure the Sikh community about the safety and security of Sikh activists in the UK who are clearly at risk.
ENDS Jaspal Singh Lead Executive Sikh Federation (UK)