Scottish Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal detained in India granted bail, says family

A Scottish activist who has spent almost a decade in prison in India has been granted bail, his family has confirmed.

Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, was arrested in 2017 for his alleged role in a series of targeted high-profile killings.

In a video posted on X, Johal’s brother Gurpreet Singh Johal said the High Court in Delhi had overturned a previous court’s decision and granted Johal bail.

The 39-year-old was acquitted last year in a case in which he was accused of financially supporting a terror group.

However, he still faces federal charges lodged by the Indian authorities.

Gurpreet said it was “time to bring him home” and that in the coming days his brother will be released from prison.

He also thanked those who assisted in the campaign calling for Jagtar’s release from prison.

Earlier this year, UN experts claimed Jagtar was being tortured while in prison.

Mr Johal’s imprisonment was recognised by a UN panel as an arbitrary detention in 2022.

Indian authorities have denied the torture claim and have repeatedly maintained that due process is being followed.

FM brands news ‘significant development’

The First Minister welcomed the news, describing the development as “positive and significant” after years of tireless campaigning by his family.

John Swinney said: “I welcome reports that Jagtar Singh Johal has been granted bail after spending almost nine years in detention in India.

“The Scottish Government has consistently called for Mr Johal’s release and repeatedly raised concerns about his prolonged detention, including in light of the findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

“While I recognise that legal proceedings remain ongoing, this is a significant and positive development for Mr Johal, his wife and his family, who have campaigned tirelessly on his behalf.

“I hope to see Mr Johal released from custody as soon as the necessary procedures are completed and continue to underline the importance of a fair, transparent and timely judicial process.”

Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire, added: “So relieved to hear this wonderful news this morning. After years of campaigning by his brother, Gurpreet, and family with the help of Reprieve, we finally have the breakthrough we so longed for.

“We obviously are still waiting to understand the terms of the bail conditions but at last, he will be freed from an Indian prison.

“As MP for West Dunbartonshire, I will continue to work with Jagtar’s family and team to push for his return home to Dumbarton and his family where he belongs. We now need the swift conclusion to all his outstanding cases.”