Key Points:
- Amit Gupta Detained: Gujarat-based engineer Amit Gupta, working for Tech Mahindra in Qatar, has been held by Qatari authorities since January 1, 2025.
- Allegations of Data Theft: Gupta’s family insists he is innocent and has been falsely accused of stealing confidential data.
- Indian Embassy Involved: The Indian embassy is actively assisting Gupta’s family, lawyer, and coordinating with Qatari officials.
New Delhi: Amit Gupta, a senior Tech Mahindra employee and Gujarat resident, has been detained by Qatari authorities for over three months as part of an ongoing investigation. Gupta’s family claims he has been falsely accused of data theft and is demanding his immediate release. The Indian Embassy in Qatar is closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to his family.
The Detention
Gupta was taken into custody on January 1 by Qatar’s state security while working in Doha. His mother, Pushpa Gupta, revealed that she traveled to Qatar to meet the Indian ambassador but was informed that there had been no positive developments in the case. BJP MP Hemang Joshi stated that Gupta had worked in Qatar for the past decade and was detained without clear charges being disclosed.
Reports indicate that Gupta was held for 48 hours without food or water before being confined to a room. His parents also attempted to meet him during their month-long stay in Qatar but were denied access.
Family’s Plea
Gupta’s family has sought intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), insisting on his innocence. His father has reached out to Tech Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra for help. The family alleges that Gupta has been wrongfully detained and is urging urgent diplomatic action for his release.
Pushpa Gupta expressed her distress, stating: “Our son has been falsely accused; we hope the government will intervene and secure his freedom.”
Indian Embassy’s Role
The Indian embassy in Qatar has been actively involved in the matter, maintaining regular contact with Gupta’s family, lawyer, and Qatari officials. A spokesperson from the embassy confirmed: “We are providing all possible assistance and closely following the case.” However, details about charges against Gupta remain undisclosed.
Similar Cases
This incident follows a high-profile case involving eight former Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar on espionage charges in 2022. These veterans were sentenced to death but later released in February 2024 after diplomatic intervention by India. Their detention highlighted challenges faced by Indian nationals working abroad under sensitive circumstances.
Diplomatic Relations
India and Qatar share strong bilateral ties, with significant trade partnerships and mutual investments. However, cases like Gupta’s detention underscore the complexities of protecting Indian citizens abroad while navigating diplomatic sensitivities.
The Indian government is expected to intensify efforts to resolve this matter as calls for justice grow louder.
