The Letter That Could Have Saved a Life
When Sarb Athwal finally gathered the immense courage to write to police about her sister-in-law's impending murder, she included every crucial detail except her own identity. She documented the chilling family meeting where her brother-in-law Sukhdave Athwal and his mother Bachan Athwal discussed arranging Surjit Athwal's murder during a trip to India. She specified the location in India where they planned to carry out the killing. Yet fear of her family and community discovering her betrayal prevented her from signing the letter.
A Family Tragedy Unfolds
At the time Sarb sent that anonymous warning in 1998, Surjit Athwal was likely still alive, having recently departed for what she believed was a family wedding celebration in India. When Bachan returned alone two weeks later in December 1998, Sarb's worst fears were confirmed. However, it would take nearly a decade for the truth about Surjit's fate to emerge publicly, in what would become one of Britain's most notorious honour-based killing cases.
'Surjit had transformed when she secured employment as a customs officer at Heathrow,' Sarb explained to Metro. 'She developed independence, earned respectable income, and gained workplace respect. Naturally, work involved social engagements—parties, Christmas events, external meetings. The family consistently attempted to restrict her, insisting she remain home to raise children and fulfill daughter-in-law duties, which Surjit resisted.'
Community Pressure and Fatal Consequences
According to Sarb, members of their Hayes gurdwara in west London began criticizing Surjit's behavior, causing her mother-in-law Bachan to perceive family honour as compromised. This escalating tension culminated in the family meeting where Surjit's fate was decided.
The unsigned letter containing these critical details seemingly vanished upon reaching the police station. When Surjit was reported missing in 1999 and Sarb informed officers about her written warning, they claimed no record existed. Although police initiated another investigation after Sarb's statement, it was subsequently closed without further action.
Seven Years of Silent Torment
Sarb endured seven additional years living alongside those she knew were responsible for her sister-in-law's murder. The breakthrough occurred when she was hospitalized with a severe stomach ulcer. Fearing she might not survive, Sarb confessed the truth to her father, who relayed the information to authorities.
This time, the case reached Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll, renowned for securing convictions in the Stephen Lawrence murder case. 'Meeting him occurred seven years later during the third investigation,' Sarb recalled. 'It shouldn't require three investigations to believe one person. I was victimized throughout, constantly prioritizing my safety.'
The Missing Evidence Resurfaces
With her trust in police completely shattered, Sarb requested her father convey her hospital statement to DCI Driscoll. However, the detective insisted she share her account directly. 'I mentioned writing to my local police station,' Sarb remembered. 'He asked, "Where's that letter?" Everyone fixated on that letter. I didn't know its whereabouts. I wrote it, and police didn't believe me.'
Remarkably, Driscoll returned two days later having discovered an unsigned document among archived files. Could Sarb identify it? 'That was my letter,' she confirmed. 'I wrote it in 1998 when Surjit was still alive. Someone placed it in that box, officers retrieved it, and simply left it there.'
Justice Finally Served
In September 2007, Bachan Athwal and Sukhdave Athwal received life sentences for their roles in Surjit's murder. This marked the United Kingdom's first honour-based killing conviction without a recovered body. Surjit's remains have never been located.
Sarb has since authored 'Shamed,' a book detailing the case. Currently, the UK government is implementing new legislation addressing honour-based abuse, including establishing a statutory definition. 'This definition will ensure professionals collaborate to protect more victims and bring more perpetrators to justice,' stated Minister for Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips.
Systemic Changes Needed
The Labour MP emphasized: 'No honour exists in honour-based abuse. For too long, these devastating crimes have been frequently misunderstood, with victims severely failed.' The definition and new statutory guidance authority are being introduced through amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill.
Sarb acknowledges the new definition represents 'positive progress' but advocates for comprehensive police education to prevent others from experiencing similar treatment. 'Police must comprehend this differs from domestic abuse,' she stressed. 'Domestic abuse involves partners, whereas in our community, it could involve me against my husband, the community, extended family, and beyond. Police need to understand this distinction.'
