Kashmiri Nurse Detained in Saudi Arabia, Family in Dark About Charges
Dehradun: More than two weeks after the detention of Amjad Ali Bhat, a 29-year-old man from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, by authorities in Saudi Arabia's Dammam city, his family in India remains in a state of anguish and uncertainty. They have yet to receive any official communication from either Saudi or Indian authorities regarding his precise location or the specific allegations against him.
Family's Desperate Search for Answers
Bhat, who had been working as a 'nurse specialist' in Saudi Arabia since June of last year, was reportedly taken into custody on March 25. His cousin, Mohammed Abass, has been tirelessly reaching out to various officials and the representatives of Bhat's company in Saudi Arabia. "We are extremely worried now," Abass stated, highlighting the family's growing distress over the lack of information.
In a bid to secure his safe return, Bhat's father and Abass met with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday. "During the meeting, which lasted for about 30 minutes, we requested him to help ensure his safe return to India. The CM assured us of taking up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs," Abass recounted, expressing hope for governmental intervention.
Employers Also Unaware of Situation
Adding to the confusion, Bhat's employers in Saudi Arabia have reportedly expressed their own lack of clarity regarding the situation. According to Abass, the company representatives stated they were "clueless" about the charges under which Bhat was detained. "They said that they were unaware under what charges he was taken away. They'll only come to know about him if the Saudi authorities contact them to seek any cooperation in the probe," he explained, indicating a complete information blackout from official channels.
Alleged Reason for Detention
The family believes that Bhat's detention may be linked to a social media post he allegedly uploaded concerning Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on March 3. This detail, while unconfirmed by authorities, has become a focal point of the family's concerns as they navigate the complex diplomatic and legal landscape surrounding his case.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by Indian expatriates abroad and the critical role of consular assistance in such international predicaments. As the family awaits updates, their appeal for transparency and swift action from both Indian and Saudi officials continues to grow louder.
