Vadodara, India – The family of Amit Gupta, an Indian engineer working for Tech Mahindra, is desperately seeking help after his sudden detention in Qatar. Amit, who has been in custody since January 1, has reportedly been subjected to inhumane conditions, leading to severe mental distress. His parents, who live in Vadodara, Gujarat, say their son is “breaking down mentally” after being confined for months without clear charges.
Amit’s family has repeatedly appealed to Indian authorities, Tech Mahindra, and the international community, urging them to intervene and secure his release. However, despite their efforts, they claim to have received little information about the case or Amit’s well-being. His parents describe his detention conditions as “unbearable” and fear that prolonged isolation is taking a toll on his health.
Arrest and Allegations
Amit Gupta, a seasoned IT professional who had been working in Qatar for over a decade, was reportedly picked up by Qatari authorities while having dinner on New Year’s Day. His family was unaware of his arrest until hours later when they received an urgent call from an acquaintance. Since then, they have struggled to obtain details about the charges against him.
According to some reports, Amit’s detention is linked to allegations of data theft. However, his family insists that he has done nothing wrong. They say he was dedicated to his job and had never been involved in any unlawful activity. They claim that he was taken into custody without proper explanation and has been kept under strict isolation for nearly three months.
His mother, Pushpa Gupta, revealed that Amit was denied food and water for the first 48 hours of his detention. Since then, he has been confined to a small room with minimal access to basic amenities. His family has been allowed to speak with him only once a week for five minutes, during which Amit has repeatedly pleaded for their help in securing his release.
Family’s Desperate Plea
Amit’s parents are devastated by his condition and are making an emotional appeal to the Indian government and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene. His father, Rajesh Gupta, said, “Every time we talk to him, he sounds weaker and more hopeless. He tells us he cannot survive much longer in these conditions. We are extremely worried that he will not make it.”
Pushpa Gupta added that her son has always been mentally strong, but she can hear the change in his voice. “He cries on the phone and begs us to get him out. He says he is losing his mind,” she said. The family believes that Amit is being unfairly targeted and is suffering due to a legal system that lacks transparency for foreign workers.
The Guptas have written letters to multiple officials, including India’s External Affairs Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office, but so far, they say they have received only formal acknowledgments. They are urging the Indian government to increase diplomatic pressure on Qatar to expedite Amit’s release.
Tech Mahindra’s Response
Tech Mahindra, Amit’s employer, has acknowledged his detention and has stated that they are in touch with his family and local authorities. In a brief statement, the company said, “We are doing everything we can to provide support to Amit and his family. Our teams are working closely with Indian and Qatari officials to ensure due process is followed.”
However, Amit’s family feels that the company should be doing more. “Tech Mahindra has not taken enough action. They should be fighting for him like their own family member, but instead, we feel abandoned,” his father said.
Indian Government’s Efforts
The Indian Embassy in Qatar has confirmed that they are monitoring Amit’s case and are in contact with local authorities. An embassy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that they are ensuring legal representation for Amit and pushing for consular access. However, the process is slow, and his family remains frustrated by the lack of updates.
Local political leaders have also started to take notice of the case. Vadodara Member of Parliament Hemang Joshi has promised to escalate the matter to India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Qatari Embassy in Delhi. He assured the Guptas that he would use all available diplomatic channels to help Amit.
Pattern of Foreign Worker Detentions in Qatar
Amit’s case is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of Indian professionals being detained in Qatar and other Gulf nations under unclear circumstances. These cases often involve allegations related to corporate disputes, data privacy, or business-related conflicts. However, families frequently struggle to obtain information or fair treatment for their detained relatives.
One of the most high-profile cases involved eight former Indian Navy officers who were sentenced to death in Qatar on charges of espionage in 2023. Their sentences were later commuted after diplomatic intervention, and they were released in February 2024. The case raised concerns about the treatment of Indian nationals in Qatar and the challenges of securing their legal rights.
Amit’s family fears that he could face a similarly prolonged battle. “We cannot wait for years. My son is suffering right now,” his mother said.
Mental and Physical Health Concerns
Experts have raised concerns about the mental and physical impact of prolonged detentions under harsh conditions. Psychologists warn that extended isolation, lack of basic amenities, and uncertainty about one’s fate can severely affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
Amit’s parents say that his condition is worsening every week. “He was always a strong person, but now he says he feels hopeless. He tells us he is scared he will never come home,” his father said. The family is urging authorities to prioritize Amit’s health and secure his immediate release before his condition deteriorates further.
Conclusion
As Amit Gupta remains in detention in Qatar, his family continues to fight for answers and justice. They are pleading for urgent intervention to bring him back to India before it is too late.
With increasing international focus on the treatment of foreign workers in the Gulf, Amit’s case serves as another reminder of the urgent need for greater diplomatic efforts and legal protections for Indian professionals working abroad. His parents, meanwhile, remain hopeful that their appeals will be heard before their son’s mental and physical health reaches an irreversible state.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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