Surjit Kaur Athwal 

9 years after the murder and conspiracy to murder Surjit a young-British mother of 2, her husband and mother-in-law were sentenced to 27 years and 20 years, at the  Old Bailey in September 2007. The MPSA assisted the  investigation team by providing advice and support to DCI Clive Driscoll. We also assisted the victim's family as well as the witnesses family, who were extremely brave to come forward and give evidence. The MPSA also released 2 press statements on conviction and on sentencing, highlighting the need to deal with such crimes appropriately, and we also explained the difference between the Sikh and Punjabi stance on this case. We conducted press interviews, and were featured in mainstream papers such as The Telegraph and Daily Mail. 

Unfortunately, such cases are not a rarity. In November 2007, another British girl was taken to the Punjab, where her in-law family allegedly killed her. It is vitally important that the MPSA deal with these cases as a priority, in order to save lives. 

Appeal for Action 

The MPSA seek to raise the profile of this subject. On the 9th anniversary of Surjit Athwal leaving the UK, the MPSA held its Appeal for Action at the Mountbatten Hotel, in Covent Garden. Politicians, ACPO Officers, senior Crown  Prosecutors, NGO’s, media, Charity organisations and Sikh organisations attended the event. It was an overwhelming successful event. 

A draft booklet was produced; ‘a brief guide to honour  based violence’, and disseminated to all for comment.  Contributors included, Dr Aisha Gill from Roehampton University and Newham Asian Women’s Project,  Palbinder & Dr. Indarjit Singh from the Network of Sikh Organisations, Director Bilkhu from Cultural Insight and Mrs Balwinder Saund from the Sikh Women’s Alliance.  This booklet once finalised, will be disseminated at all Sikh functions, recruitment events, through our community partners etc.