The family of a British man facing execution in India has made an urgent plea to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, demanding immediate government intervention in a case that has stretched over six painful years.
Six Years in Limbo
Jagtar Singh Johal, a 36-year-old Scottish Sikh from Dumbarton, was arrested during a visit to India in 2017 and has remained imprisoned ever since without facing trial. The Indian authorities have accused him of involvement in a political assassination plot, charges his family and supporters vehemently deny.
Torture Allegations and International Concern
Mr Johal has made serious allegations of torture, claiming he was subjected to electric shocks and forced to sign documents in a language he couldn't read. These claims have drawn condemnation from human rights organisations worldwide, with Amnesty International describing his treatment as "a travesty of justice".
"We cannot stand by while a British citizen faces the death penalty based on evidence obtained through torture," stated a family spokesperson.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
The case has become a significant point of tension in UK-India relations, particularly as the British government seeks to strengthen trade ties with the emerging economic power. Despite repeated requests from UK ministers, Indian authorities have consistently denied the torture allegations and maintained their position on the case.
Family's Desperate Appeal
Mr Johal's brother described the emotional toll on their family: "Every day is a struggle. We're watching our brother's life hang in the balance while diplomatic niceties take precedence over human rights."
The family's campaign has gained cross-party support in Parliament, with MPs from all major parties calling for more robust government action to secure Mr Johal's release and return to the UK.
What Happens Next?
As legal proceedings continue to move at a glacial pace through the Indian judicial system, the British Foreign Office faces increasing pressure to elevate this case to the highest levels of diplomatic engagement. The coming months may prove crucial in determining whether Jagtar Singh Johal will return to his family in Scotland or face the ultimate punishment in a foreign land.
