Why Celina Jaitly’s brother Major Vikrant was detained in the UAE? Full timeline explained

1. Detained in September 2024 - Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, brother of Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly, was detained in the United Arab Emirates in September 2024. According to Celina’s petition, his detention followed what she described as an illegal abduction. Since then, he has remained in custody for over 14 months, with limited or no direct communication with his family in India, raising concerns about his legal and medical condition.

2. Celina Jaitly moves Delhi High Court - In 2025, Celina Jaitly approached the Delhi High Court, seeking intervention to ensure that her brother receives proper legal and medical assistance. Her plea accused Indian authorities of inaction and requested that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) establish communication channels and provide updates on his status. The actor appeared in person at the hearing, visibly emotional but determined to secure justice.

3. Ministry of External Affairs responds - Representing the Centre, counsel Nidhi Raman informed the court that Major Vikrant had been arrested in connection with a case in the UAE. However, specific details of the case remain undisclosed. Raman confirmed that the MEA was in contact with Vikrant’s wife and that he had been granted consular access, indicating limited diplomatic communication between Indian officials and UAE authorities.

4. Unclear charges and secrecy around the case - Despite repeated efforts by Celina and her legal team, the exact reason for Vikrant’s detention has not been publicly clarified. Reports indicate that neither the nature of the charges nor the progress of the investigation has been revealed. This ambiguity has deepened Celina’s concern that her brother might be facing an unjust or politically sensitive legal situation abroad without proper representation.

5. Vikrant’s background and employment in UAE - Major Vikrant Jaitly, a retired Indian Army officer, had been residing in the UAE since 2016. He was employed with the MATITI Group, a company involved in trading, consultancy, and risk management services. Colleagues reportedly described him as a disciplined and respected professional, making his sudden arrest both unexpected and alarming for those who knew him personally and professionally.

6. Celina’s plea and court demands - In her plea, Celina requested the court to direct Indian authorities to provide regular consular access, real-time communication with her brother, and updates on his well-being. She emphasized that despite being detained for over a year, no official information had been shared about his health, legal status, or location. Her petition highlighted the emotional toll this prolonged silence had taken on their family.

7. Court’s interim order and MEA directions - After hearing arguments, Justice Sachin Datta’s bench issued a notice to the Ministry of External Affairs. The order directed the MEA to facilitate communication between Celina and her brother, appoint a nodal officer for the case, and ensure legal representation for Major Jaitly. The court’s intervention was seen as a significant step toward transparency and accountability in the ongoing matter.

8. Celina’s emotional reaction and next hearing - Speaking to the media after the verdict, Celina called the court’s order “a ray of hope,” adding, “It’s been a nightmare for me… I’m very grateful for today’s judgment.” She expressed faith that this legal development could finally bring her brother home. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 4, when the MEA is expected to submit its detailed status report on the case.