Tech Mahindra executive stays detained in Qatar, family demands answers
What's the story
Amit Gupta, an Indian techie working with Tech Mahindra in Kuwait and Qatar, has been detained in Doha since January 1.
His father JP Gupta said Amit was taken away without reason by officials of the Qatari state security department. He is yet to be told the charges against him.
"He is allowed to speak to us for just five minutes/week and all he says is: 'Dad, I have not done anything wrong,' and then breaks down," JP Gupta said.
More action
Appeals to government haven't brought any resolution
Gupta's father also stated that his son has been confined to a room without any human interaction since being taken into custody.
"He is allowed to see sunlight for only 10 minutes a day. It's inhuman," he told The Indian Express.
Gypta's parents also claimed that their appeals to the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of External Affairs have not brought any resolution.
He said they received an acknowledgment from PMO with a phone number that "does not work."
Company statement
Tech Mahindra's response to Gupta's detention
Tech Mahindra, the Indian software services and consulting company that employs Gupta, has confirmed his detention.
A company representative told BBC that they are "in close contact with the family and providing necessary support."
The firm also reiterated its commitment to due process and its colleague's wellbeing.
"We are also actively coordinating with authorities in both countries and adhering to the due process. Ensuring the wellbeing of our colleague is our top priority," the company said.
Diplomatic efforts
Indian embassy's involvement and family's plea
The Indian government has so far maintained silence on Gupta's case. However, foreign ministry sources told BBC that the Indian embassy in Qatar is monitoring the situation closely.
"The mission has been in touch with the family, lawyer representing Amit Gupta and Qatari authorities on a regular basis," a source told BBC.
Meanwhile, Gupta's wife Aakanksha Goyal has called for more government action to secure her husband's release as he suffers mental distress under detention conditions.
Personal impact
Family's emotional struggle amid uncertainty
The emotional cost of the situation is visible in Gupta's family's struggles.
His wife says she is unable to answer their children's questions about their father's absence, while his parents said he is "breaking down mentally" due to "inhuman" conditions.
They alleged he was not allowed to eat or sleep in the first 48 hours of his detention, and is now surviving on local food provided to him.
Reportedly, Gupta is in detention over an alleged data theft case.