Hounslow Labour councillor Gurbachan Singh Athwal, 75, has been charged with fraud by abuse of position following a Metropolitan Police investigation into his role as treasurer of a Sikh gurdwara charity.
Athwal, of Southall, was charged via postal requisition on Friday, September 25, after a voluntary interview in October 2025. He is expected to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 27.
The charges relate to his tenure as treasurer of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, a charity that manages the two largest gurdwaras in Southall, covering a period from 2014 to 2022. Athwal was elected as the Labour councillor for Heston East in Hounslow in May 2026.
No whip withdrawn yet
As of the time of writing, the Hounslow Labour Group, which holds a majority of one seat, has not withdrawn the whip from Athwal. He also remains a trustee of the charity, according to the Charity Commission website.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Gurbachan Singh Athwal, 75 (03.03.1951), of Southall, was charged with fraud by abuse of position following an investigation by detectives from the Metropolitan Police."
The spokesperson added: "He was charged via postal requisition on Friday, 25 September following a voluntary interview in October 2025. He will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 27 October. The charges relate to a role he held as treasurer of a community organisation from 2014 to 2022."
Details of the allegations
The fraud by abuse of position charge stems from Athwal's role as treasurer of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, a position he held for approximately eight years. The charity operates two of the largest Sikh places of worship in Southall, a key community hub for the local Sikh population.
Athwal remains a Labour councillor one week after being charged. The Hounslow Labour Group's narrow majority of one seat means any decision to withdraw the whip could have significant implications for the council's political balance.
Next steps
Athwal is scheduled to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 27. The court proceedings will determine the next steps in the case. Until then, Athwal retains his position as a councillor and trustee, with no further action taken by the Labour Group or the Charity Commission at this stage.
