Pro-Khalistan Sikh activist jailed for stabbing at UK Independence Day event

A 26-year-old pro-Khalistan Sikh activist has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after admitting injuring two Indian men and a female police officer at an Indian Independence Day-related community event in west London last year.

Gurpreet Singh appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday where he admitted unlawfully wounding victims Aashish Sharma and Nanak Singh in January. Singh and one count of causing actual bodily harm (ABH) to Constable Justine Nicolle Farrell, as well as a fourth charge of affray.

The incident occurred during an Indian Independence Day-related community event in Southall on the evening of August 15 last year. Videos circulated on social media showed some pro-Khalistan extremists and police clashing while chasing the suspect.

“Gurpreet Singh pleaded guilty to four counts in the indictment on January 12 and was subsequently sentenced to 28 months in prison,” a court official said.

The Indian national was carrying his religious chuck which was used as a “criminal weapon”, the court heard. Singh may be deported to India after serving his sentence.

Sergeant Sean Lynch, the Metropolitan Police’s community policing officer, said: “I recognize that this incident will cause huge concern in Southall and the Sikh community around London and further afield. It was meant to be a largely peaceful and celebratory event.” West London when the incident occurred last year.

“We are aware of the video circulating on social media and people commenting on what they think happened. We urge people to avoid echoing or adding to speculation. Fortunately, none of the injured were seriously injured and there were no fatalities.”

Detective Constable Justin Farrell was involved in detaining Ms Singh, who suffered a cut on her hand which the Metropolitan Police said did not require hospital treatment.