Hounslow Councillor Charged with Fraud

Hounslow Labour Councillor Gurbachan Singh Athwal has been charged with fraud by abuse of position. The 75-year-old, who represents Heston East, was charged via postal requisition on Friday, September 25, following a voluntary interview with the Metropolitan Police.

The allegations concern his tenure as treasurer for Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, a charity that manages two Sikh places of worship in the borough. This role spanned approximately eight years, from 2014 to 2022. At the time of his charge, Councillor Athwal remained a trustee of the charity, according to information from the Charity Commission.

Court Appearance Scheduled

Councillor Athwal is expected to make his first appearance at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 27. He was elected as the Labour councillor for Heston East in May 2026. The Hounslow Labour Group has not yet withdrawn the party whip from him.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the charge, stating: "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. 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."