Starmer should call for release of British Sikh activist during India visit | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlisha Rahaman SarkarTuesday 07 October 2025 06:37 BSTJagtar Singh Johal was arrested in 2017 (PA Media)Labour leader Keir Starmer has been urged to press for the release of jailed British Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal during his visit to India this week.Mr Johal, detained in India since 2017 on accusations of involvement with a banned Sikh separatist group, denies wrongdoing and a UN panel ruled his detention "arbitrary".His family alleges he has been tortured and, despite being acquitted in one case, he still faces multiple federal charges which his legal team describes as "Kafkaesque".Mr Johal's brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, believes Starmer is well-placed to secure his release, citing recent high-profile releases of other Britons detained abroad.A tort claim against the UK government, alleging British intelligence services contributed to Mr Johal's arrest and torture, began in court this week.In fullStarmer urged to call for release of Briton Jagtar Singh Johal during India tripThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in