A Soldier's Plight
Bollywood personality Celina Jaitly has issued a profound and emotional appeal directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his urgent intervention
in a distressing situation involving her brother, retired Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly. The former Special Forces officer has been held in detention in the United Arab Emirates since September 2024, marking an agonizing period of uncertainty and legal limbo for his family. This protracted ordeal has now reached a significant juncture, with the Delhi High Court stepping in to address the matter. The court's directive for the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate legal assistance for Major Vikrant by engaging a UAE-based firm signifies a crucial step forward in what has been an arduous 18-month battle for his family.
Legal Breakthrough Amidst Frustration
The family's prolonged struggle saw a pivotal moment when the Delhi High Court ordered the Ministry of External Affairs to arrange legal representation for Major Vikrant Jaitly in the UAE. This intervention, a victory for Celina after 18 months of relentless effort, was seen as a restoration of her brother's rights and dignity. However, despite this court order aimed at facilitating communication and legal aid, Celina expressed deep frustration, revealing in an interview that she has been unable to speak with her brother. Her concerns are amplified by the lack of clarity surrounding the charges, prompting her to question the prolonged delay in providing legal recourse, especially for a soldier who has served the nation.
Seeking Diplomatic Resolution
While acknowledging the progress made in the legal arena, Celina Jaitly believes that the intricate nature of her brother's situation, reportedly linked to 'national security' concerns, necessitates high-level diplomatic intervention. Drawing inspiration from successful efforts to secure the release of Indian naval officers previously held in Qatar, she has directly addressed Prime Minister Modi. Her heartfelt request is for the Prime Minister to facilitate her brother's return, highlighting his lifelong dedication to serving India. She emphasizes that if he had committed any offense, a formal prosecution process would have undoubtedly been initiated by now, underscoring her belief in his innocence and right to due process.
Hopes for Homecoming
With the next court hearing on February 10, 2026, approaching, significant attention is now focused on the Ministry of External Affairs' role in providing comprehensive diplomatic and legal support for the veteran officer. Celina Jaitly remains unwavering in her commitment to ensuring her brother's safe return to Indian soil, vowing to 'move mountains' to achieve this objective. Her brother, a distinguished member of the elite 3 Para Special Forces and a recipient of the COAS Commendation for Gallantry, is seen by his family and supporters as deserving of the nation's full backing, given his past service and sacrifice.
