Question : DEATH OF INDIANS IN PRISONS ABROAD

(a) the details of Indians languishing in foreign jails, country-wise;

(b) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the authorities of the respective countries for the release of these prisoners and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of Indians who died in prisons abroad during the last three years and the current year, country-wise;

(d) whether the autopsies of dead bodies were conducted by the authorities concerned and if so, the case-wise findings thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the mortal remains of all those who have died in foreign jails have been brought back to the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor, case-wise?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(GEN. RETD. V.K. SINGH)

(a) 5986 Indian nationals are in foreign jails as on date. A list showing the details (country-wise) is attached as Annexure ‘A’.

(b) The Indian Missions/Posts abroad have taken up with the authorities of the respective countries for early release of the prisoners, repatriation of the prisoners to India where treaties on transfer of sentenced prisoners exist, through mercy petitions and early repatriation after completion of sentences.

(c) to (e) In the last three years and current year, reports of deaths of 34 imprisoned Indian nationals, were received by Indian Missions/Posts abroad. Details of the same are at Annexure ‘B’. No autopsies were conducted in cases of natural deaths or where families did not request the same. In two cases results are awaited from the local authorities. In majority of the cases, the mortal remains were transported to India. Where the mortal remains were not transported to India, they were buried/cremated locally in accordance with wishes of families.