Indian Tech Executive’s Detention in Qatar: Family Seeks Intervention

Every week, JP Gupta listens helplessly as his son Amit cries during their brief phone call. Amit Gupta, a senior executive for Indian tech firm Tech Mahindra in Qatar, was detained on January 1 without any public charges. Nearly three months later, his family still doesn’t know what he’s accused of.

Amit, who has worked in Doha since 2013, was taken by Qatari state security officials from a restaurant near his office. His weekly five-minute calls only include tearful reminders that he’s innocent.

Tech Mahindra acknowledged the case, confirming it is providing support to Amit’s family and working with authorities in both India and Qatar. The Indian government hasn’t officially commented, but sources say the embassy is closely monitoring the situation and offering assistance.

Amit’s wife, Aakanksha Goyal, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming her husband is under severe mental pressure. She said their appeals to Qatari authorities have gone unanswered, and she is seeking a personal meeting with Indian leaders.

In February, Amit’s parents briefly met him in Doha with help from the Indian embassy. His father says he hasn’t even been questioned yet and urges authorities to release him if there’s no evidence.

This case is the second major incident involving detained Indians in Qatar. In 2023, eight Indian ex-naval officers were released after being sentenced to death on undisclosed charges. Meanwhile, Amit’s family is struggling emotionally, especially his children, aged 11 and four, who await their father’s return home.