London, United Kingdom – Avtar Singh Khanda, the UK-based chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the main handler of Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh, has died, according to sources. Khanda, who played a crucial role in assisting Amritpal Singh in evading authorities for 37 days between March and April, was suspected of being poisoned, as indicated by sources. However, medical records indicate that Khanda had been battling blood cancer. He had been receiving treatment at City Hospital in Birmingham prior to his demise.
Avtar Singh Khanda, renowned for his expertise in bomb-making, gained notoriety as the mastermind behind the act of pulling down the Indian flag during a protest outside the UK High Commission in London on March 19. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had identified Khanda and three other separatists as the primary suspects in connection with the incident. Khanda, the son of the late KLF terrorist Kulwant Singh, arrived in the UK in 2007 on a study visa before seeking asylum in 2012.
After the death of former KLF chief Harmeet Singh in Pakistan in January 2020, Khanda reportedly assumed leadership under the code name ‘Ranjodh Singh,’ solidifying his position within the organization. He was believed to have played a significant role in establishing Amritpal Singh as the chief of Waris Punjab De following the demise of Deep Sidhu. Amritpal Singh, who remained on the run for 37 days, eventually surrendered to the police at a gurdwara in Punjab’s Moga on April 23.
While the exact circumstances surrounding Avtar Singh Khanda’s death remain unclear, suspicions of foul play persist. Investigations into his passing and the overall activities of the KLF are expected to provide further insights into the matter. Meanwhile, Amritpal Singh and eight of his associates, including Papalpreet Singh, continue to be held under the stringent provisions of the National Security Act at Assam’s Dibrugarh jail.
