48 Indians lodged in foreign prisons despite serving term: MEA

By NewsGram Staff Writer

New Delhi: Despite having served their term, 48 Indian nationals proceeded to be lodged in foreign prisons and deportation centers, including 40 in Bangladesh.

"As per available information, there are 48 Indian nationals who have completed their sentences and are waiting for completion of deportation formalities in foreign jails and in deportation centers," the external affairs ministry told the assurances committee of the Rajya Sabha on information sought by Avinash Rai, an MP from Punjab.

Of these, 40 Indians are lodged in various Bangladesh jails, five in Myanmar, two at a deportation centre in Bahrain and one in Malaysia.

About the reasons for delay in bringing them back, the ministry said, "Some information was to be collected from Indian missions abroad."

"The number of Indian nationals who have completed their terms in various jails in Bangladesh is 40. Since July 2014, out of 37 prisoners, 16 have been released and repatriated. 19 new convicted and under-trial prisoners who have completed their sentences have been added to the previous list of released prisoners," the ministry further stated.

The ministry also said Indian missions and posts also provide air tickets for facilitating the return of the Indian nationals.

(with inputs from TOI)