The Baramulla Saudi jail release has brought relief to Amjad Ali Bhat’s family after the 29-year-old nurse returned from Saudi Arabia. His detention in Dammam, questions about a Facebook post and his family’s appeals for information had caused months of anxiety.
Amjad
Amjad Ali Bhat, a resident of Gund Ibrahim in Baramulla district’s Pattan area, returned home after spending about three months in Saudi detention. Bhat had been working as a nurse specialist at a healthcare facility in Dammam when Saudi security personnel took him away on March 25, according to his family.
His relatives said officials initially described the matter as a short inquiry that would take only a few hours. However, Bhat was reportedly taken to a police station, where his passport and identification documents were collected. His family said he was then moved into detention without receiving a clear explanation about any formal charge. Reports published when he was detained confirmed that his relatives could not establish direct contact with him or determine where he was being held.
Dammam
According to Bhat’s account, investigators questioned him about a Facebook post featuring the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Bhat had reportedly shared Khamenei’s photograph shortly after the Iranian leader was killed during joint United States and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. Iranian state media subsequently confirmed Khamenei’s death.
No detailed public statement from Saudi authorities explaining Bhat’s detention or specifying the law involved was available at the time of writing. Therefore, the reported connection between his detention and the Facebook post remains based primarily on statements from Bhat, his family and people involved in seeking his release.
Bhat said he remained unable to communicate with his family during much of his detention. The lack of contact left his relatives uncertain about his location, physical condition and legal status.
His family approached Indian authorities seeking assistance and information. They contacted the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and also sought help from elected representatives, including Jammu and Kashmir MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi. Earlier accounts confirmed that the family had appealed for government intervention after receiving little information from either Saudi officials or Indian diplomatic representatives.
Family
The prolonged silence placed considerable emotional pressure on Bhat’s parents and other relatives. They continued raising the case while requesting confirmation that he was safe and access to appropriate diplomatic or legal assistance.
The case also highlighted the risks Indian workers can face when using social media in countries with stricter laws governing political speech, online expression and content concerning foreign political leaders. Indian citizens working overseas must follow local laws even when a post is shared through a personal account.
Return
Bhat said officials informed him on June 25 that he would be released and deported to India. Saudi authorities reportedly arranged his journey from Riyadh to New Delhi, after which he travelled to Baramulla and reunited with his family.
His return ended the family’s wait but left important questions unanswered, including whether any formal case had been registered and why communication was restricted during his detention. His family has expressed relief over his safe arrival after spending months pursuing information through diplomatic and political channels. Recent reports confirm that he has now returned to Jammu and Kashmir following the detention.
