MEA Confirms Consular Access, Full Support For Celina Jaitley’s Brother Detained In UAE

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that it is actively managing the case of Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitley, the brother of Bollywood actor and former Miss India Celina Jaitley, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for over 14 months. According to an official statement, Indian consular officials in Abu Dhabi have met Major Jaitley on four separate occasions and continue to extend all necessary assistance. The Indian Embassy remains in regular contact with his family, including his wife, and is ensuring full support in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

Delhi High Court Directs Centre to Submit Status Report

The MEA's statement followed an order by the Delhi High Court, which, while hearing a plea filed by Celina Jaitley, directed the Central government to file a detailed status report within four weeks on her brother's detention. Justice Sachin Datta also instructed the government to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with Major Jaitley's family and keep them informed of all developments. The matter has been scheduled for its next hearing on December 4.

Background: Major Jaitley's Detention in UAE Since 2024

According to Celina's petition, Major Vikrant Jaitley was detained in September 2024 under unclear circumstances. She alleged that her brother was "illegally abducted and detained" and that the family has yet to receive official communication about the charges against him or the progress of the investigation.

Reports indicate that Major Jaitley, who has lived in the UAE since 2016, was working with a consultancy and risk management firm at the time of his detention. However, no formal explanation for his arrest has been made public.

Celina Jaitley Seeks Legal and Medical Support for Brother

Represented by advocates Raghav Kacker and Madhav Agarwal, Celina urged the court to direct the Ministry of External Affairs to provide her brother with adequate legal and medical assistance. She stated that despite repeated representations to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate in Dubai, and the External Affairs Minister, the family's pleas had gone largely unanswered.

Celina further pointed out that her brother had received only four consular visits-in May, June, August, and September 2025-despite being in custody for over a year. She also mentioned that her complaint on the government's MADAD portal was marked "closed," even though the matter remains unresolved.

Celina Calls Court Order a 'Ray of Hope'

Following the court's directive, Celina expressed gratitude and optimism, calling the judgment a "ray of hope" for her family. "It has been a nightmare for me and my family. I'm deeply thankful for today's decision and hopeful that this will help bring my brother home," she said.

The Delhi High Court has granted the Ministry of External Affairs time until December 4 to submit a comprehensive report outlining the steps taken to ensure Major Vikrant Jaitley's legal rights and welfare while in UAE custody.