Bollywood actress and former Miss India Celina Jaitly has made a sincere appeal for help as she battles to bring her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, home.
A wave of support and concern was generated when the Delhi High Court recently heard her petition regarding her brother, who has allegedly been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2024.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was instructed by Justice Sachin Datta to help Celina and her brother communicate, as well as Major Jaitly and his wife, who is still in the United Arab Emirates.
A status report on the Indian government's attempts to help him was also requested by the court. With a voice full of emotion and relief, Celina characterised the court's order as "a ray of hope after an arduous 14 months."
Outside the court, Celina poured her heart out on Instagram in a post titled #SoldierStory: “After an arduous 14 months, I have finally reached the light at the end of the dark tunnel. You fought for us, bhai, now it’s time for us to stand behind you.”
She spoke of the unimaginable ordeal her brother has faced, calling him a “victim of enforced disappearance for nine months followed by detainment.” Her faith in the Government of India remains unwavering: “the only entity I trust to bring my brother home safely.”
Celina also highlighted the pride and legacy of her brother’s military background: “He is a fourth-generation soldier, a son, grandson, and great-grandson of war veterans who has given his youth to the nation.”
Her legal team emphasised that Major Jaitly, as an Indian citizen, deserves legal and humanitarian support.
The petition seeks financial assistance, medical aid, and direct consular access, asking the MEA to ensure his rights are respected under international law, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963).
Despite repeated attempts to get updates from Indian authorities over the past year, the family had little clarity on his condition. The next hearing is scheduled for 4 December.
Celina’s plea resonated widely online, drawing attention to the vulnerability of Indian soldiers abroad. “Indian soldiers continue to be targeted for reasons unknown. I pray to my government for their help and protection for our defenders,” she wrote.
After making her Bollywood debut in Janasheen (2003), Celina Jaitly went on to star in No Entry (2005), Apna Sapna Money Money (2006), and Golmaal Returns (2008). She was crowned Femina Miss India 2001 and placed fourth at Miss Universe 2001.
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