‘Spent extra 15 months in jail’: Punjab man says Indian Embassy ignored pleas, sought money in Saudi
Rajinderpal Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran district, spent nearly three years in Saudi Arabia's jail after being sentenced for possessing objectionable drugs in a truck. Despite completing his 18-month sentence, Rajinderpal was detained for an additional 15 months, returning to India only on August 31. He claims he sought help from the Indian Embassy throughout his prolonged incarceration but was met with indifference.
Rajinderpal's family petitioned Rajya Sabha member Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal for assistance, with Seechewal intervening on his behalf. Despite repeated pleas, Rajinderpal faced documentation and repatriation issues, which prevented his return home. He alleges that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh ignored his pleas and demanded money for facilitating his return.
Rajinderpal seeks an inquiry into the functioning of the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and questions the embassy's consular responsibilities. The incident highlights the challenges faced by Indians abroad when trapped in foreign legal and administrative systems.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
