(a) the number of Indians languishing in prisons in Nepal, gender-wise;
(b) whether many innocent Indians against whom no evidence is present are also languishing in prisons in Nepal; and
(c) if so, whether the Government/Embassy has taken up/would take up the matter with authorities in Nepal to ensure early trial/release of such innocent accused imprisoned in Nepalese prisons?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including under-trials, in Nepalese prisons at present is 1134. Gender-wise details are not shared by the local authorities.
(b) & (c) No such case has come to the notice of this Ministry.
The Government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians in foreign countries, including those in the foreign jails. Indian Missions / Posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor the incidents of Indian nationals being put in jail in foreign countries for violation/alleged violation of local laws.
As soon as the information about the detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by Embassy of India in Nepal, it immediately gets in touch with the concerned local authorities to get consular access to the detained/arrested Indian national to ascertain the facts of the case, confirm his Indian nationality and ensure his welfare. Apart from extending them all possible consular assistance, legal assistance to imprisoned Indians is being provided by the Embassy in deserving cases on a means-tested basis. Cases
are also raised with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal for taking up the matter with concerned authorities of Government of Nepal.
The issue of repatriation of Indian nationals in Nepalese prisons is regularly pursued by Embassy with the local authorities concerned.
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