Indian Engineer Detained in Qatar or Over 3 Months; Sparks Diplomatic Efforts

A Gujarat-based engineer, Amit Gupta, finds himself in custody in Qatar as part of an unfolding investigation, prompting swift action from the Indian Embassy. Gupta, a seasoned employee of Tech Mahindra, was apprehended by Qatari authorities on January 1, according to his mother, Pushpa Gupta, who spoke to reporters in Vadodara. His father added that Qatar’s state security forces were responsible for the detention, though the precise allegations against him remain under wraps.

The Indian Embassy in Qatar has taken a hands-on approach, offering support and liaising regularly with Gupta’s family, his legal counsel, and Qatari officials. Sources familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, confirmed the embassy’s awareness of the situation and its connection to an active probe. “Our embassy is closely monitoring the case and providing all possible assistance,” one source stated, declining to elaborate on the charges or specifics of the investigation.

Gupta’s family has escalated their plea for help, reaching out to the Prime Minister’s office with claims of his innocence and accusations of fabricated data theft charges. They are pressing for his immediate release. Pushpa Gupta recently traveled to Qatar and met with the Indian ambassador, who reportedly voiced frustration over the lack of progress in her son’s case.

BJP MP Hemang Joshi shed further light on Gupta’s background, noting his decade-long tenure with Tech Mahindra in Qatar. Joshi told the media that Gupta was seized by Qatari security personnel, and despite his parents’ month-long visit to the country, they were unable to see him.

This incident marks another chapter in a string of detentions involving Indian nationals in Qatar since 2022. Notably, two years ago, eight ex-Indian Navy personnel faced arrest, with some later receiving death sentences in 2023. Those penalties were eventually reduced, and the group was released in February 2024 following a decree from the Qatari Emir. For now, Gupta’s fate hangs in the balance as diplomatic efforts continue.