Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging his intervention in the case of her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2024. The actress has been tirelessly fighting for her brother's release, claiming he was "illegally abducted and detained" without any formal information provided to the family.

Vikrant Jaitly, a veteran of the Indian Army's Para Special Forces, has been in detention for over 16 months, reportedly concerning national security. The circumstances surrounding his detention remain ambiguous, with his family alleging unlawful detention and a lack of communication or medical access. Celina Jaitly has voiced serious concerns about her brother's well-being, citing the lack of information regarding the charges against him or the investigation into his case.

In her plea to the Delhi High Court, Celina stated that the family had not received any clear information about Vikrant's legal status or welfare, and no verified communication had been arranged. She only learned in June 2025 that her brother had been moved to the Al-Wathba Detention Centre in Abu Dhabi.

The Delhi High Court has been actively involved in the case, directing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure Vikrant receives effective legal representation and that his family is kept informed about his condition and legal status. In a recent development, the High Court directed the MEA to appoint a legal firm to represent Major Vikrant. Subsequently, the MEA was ordered to issue an order authorizing M/s Khalid Almarri & Partners Advocates to represent Vikrant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Celina expressed her gratitude to the law firm for agreeing to take on the case pro bono.

Indian consular officials have visited Vikrant four times, confirming his location but providing limited details on his condition. The MEA has stated that the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is in regular contact with UAE authorities and Vikrant's family, including his wife.

Celina Jaitly's appeal to Prime Minister Modi underscores the family's desperation and their hope for a swift resolution to the case. She has been actively using social media to raise awareness about her brother's situation and to garner support for his release. The hashtag #BringBackOurSoldier has been circulating on social media, reflecting the public sentiment and support for Vikrant Jaitly.

Vikrant Jaitly's career in the Indian Army spanned 20 years, during which he served in high-conflict zones and earned the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card for his exceptional performance. He retired from active service in December 2021 as a Major. Following his retirement, he relocated to the UAE and joined the Mātiti Group as CEO.

The case remains complex and sensitive, involving international diplomacy and legal procedures. The lack of transparency and the prolonged detention have raised concerns about due process and human rights. Celina Jaitly's emotional appeal reflects the anguish of a sister fighting for her brother's freedom and her unwavering belief in his innocence.