Days after Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly made a heartfelt appeal to the Government of India to help bring her brother, Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, back home, Major General Gagandeep Bakshi (retd) has issued a strong statement condemning the alleged abduction and prolonged detention of the former para commando.In a powerful post, Major Bakshi expressed shock over the situation, writing, “Major Jaitly was a dedicated Special forces officer of 3 Para SF. He served the country with Honour and courage for almost 2 decades. He was an IIT grad and in the Signals. He volunteered for the Special Forces. One was shocked to learn that HE WAS ABDUCTED in Dubai last year and now reportedly is in a Qatar detention center. This is outrageous and unacceptable. He Has lost is parents and his sole surviving Blood relation is his sister who is understandably distraught. What exactly is going on? Why are Indian former soldiers being targeted in The Middle East? I suspect an ISI hand.”He further added, “I am amazed so far nothing was done and his Distraught sister had to move the courts in India. He must be given consular access Right away and legal aid at once. I hope the MEA will now swing into action and defend our veterans. WE MUST GET HIM BACK!!I was moved to see his Sister in tears.”
MEA confirms four consular meetings
After months of emotional turmoil, Celina Jaitly finally received a glimmer of hope. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Indian consular officials have met her brother, Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, on four occasions, the most recent meeting taking place in September 2025.Major Jaitly has reportedly been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for over 14 months on unspecified “national security” grounds. According to sources cited by Republic Media Network, the Indian Embassy in the UAE remains in close touch with the family and is “fully seized of the matter,” reflecting sustained diplomatic engagement.
Celina Jaitly’s 14-month ordeal
Speaking about her brother’s detention, Celina Jaitly opened up about the pain and helplessness she has endured for over a year.“As a sister, this has been one of the toughest times of my life — the darkest 14 months. I thought I had already seen the worst when I lost my parents and my son, but this pain is at par, if not worse,” Celina said emotionally during her interaction with the publication.“I am not Celina Jaitly right now; I am just a soldier’s sister. I appeal to our government — please bring him back. He is all I have.”The actor revealed that her brother, a decorated para special forces officer, was taken into custody in 2024 and remained untraceable for eight months. She discovered his transfer to a detention facility in Abu Dhabi only after filing a grievance on the Madad Portal.
The mysterious detention
Her legal counsel, Advocate Raghav Kacker, shared that Major Jaitly was detained outside the Mall of the Emirates by unidentified men in plain clothes, who allegedly forced him into an unmarked black vehicle. Authorities later confirmed his detention but have since restricted legal access, citing national security concerns.Celina last heard from her brother on Raksha Bandhan in August 2024, after which communication was abruptly cut off.
A soldier’s legacy
Describing her brother as a fourth-generation Army officer, Celina said Major Jaitly trained at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering before volunteering for the elite Para Special Forces.“He’s a true patriot who has always put the nation before self. I just want him back in his country,” she said, voicing concern for his health and mental well-being given his past service-related injuries.
Delhi High Court steps in
In response to her plea, the Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to file a detailed status report within four weeks and appoint a nodal officer to monitor the case. The matter is scheduled for hearing on December 4.
