Big relief for Celina Jaitly as MEA confirms Indian Embassy’s access to her detained brother Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly in UAE

After months of uncertainty and emotional turmoil, actor Celina Jaitly has received a glimmer of relief. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Indian consular officials have met her brother, retired Indian Army Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, on four occasions — the latest visit taking place in September 2025.

Major Jaitly has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for over 14 months on unspecified “national security” grounds. Sources told Republic Media Network that the Indian Embassy in the UAE remains in touch with the family and is “fully seized of the matter,” signalling sustained diplomatic efforts to secure his well-being.

Celina Jaitly’s 14-month ordeal

Speaking to the publication, Celina described the past year as one of the most painful phases of her life.

“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,” she said, adding, “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. It was only after she filed a grievance through the Madad portal that she learned of his transfer to a detention facility in Abu Dhabi. Speaking to Republic World, an emotional Celina described her brother as a “born patriot” and a “fourth-generation armed forces officer.” She recalled his commitment to the nation, saying, "He is a patriot, a born patriot. Even though he was inducted into MCTE (Military College of Technical Engineering), he decided to change his arm and become a paratrooper. My brother has injuries on his body from so many missions. He’s broken in places that people would not know, from all the missions he’s conducted.”

The mysterious arrest

Her legal representative, advocate Raghav Kacker, stated that Major Jaitly was detained outside the Mall of the Emirates by unidentified men in plain clothes who forced him into an unmarked black vehicle.

Authorities later acknowledged his detention, but attempts to launch legal proceedings in the UAE have been hampered by jurisdictional barriers and lack of cooperation.

Celina last heard from her brother on Raksha Bandhan in August 2024, after which communication ceased abruptly.

A soldier’s legacy

Describing her brother as a “true patriot” and fourth-generation military man, Celina said he was trained at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering before volunteering for the elite para special forces. She voiced concerns for his physical and psychological well-being, given his history of mission-related injuries.

“I have a lot of questions. I want him back in his country,” she added, expressing faith that the Indian government would intervene.

Delhi High Court steps in

Following her petition, 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.