News Summary
- Amrit Jha, 33, from Udaypur Gaighat, is detained by Iranian forces while returning with oil on board a vessel to Dubai.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working to secure consular access through the Nepalese Embassy in Doha.
- Concerns about Nepali security have increased due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, prompting Triyuga Municipality in Udaypur to request diplomatic efforts for his release.
March 21, Kathmandu – Amrit Jha, 33, from Gaighat, Udaypur, is currently under the custody of Iranian military forces.
He was detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard at Bandar Abbas port in the Hormuz Strait region while returning with fuel.
Jha had arrived in Iran with fuel prior to the outbreak of war between Israel–USA and Iran. Employed as a captain for a maritime company based in Dubai, he was apprehended on his journey back carrying oil.
According to his brother, Sunil Thakur, Jha is in the hands of Iranian security personnel and the family was informed of his detention a few days ago.
Two to three days ago, Jha sent a voice message via WhatsApp from a new number, stating, ‘Along with two Indians, I have been detained by Iranian security forces; the Nepalese government must intervene for our rescue.’ Since then, the family has been unable to reach him at that number.
After learning about his detention, his sister Pooja Jha submitted a request to the Consular Services Department, appealing for assistance in securing her brother’s release.
Jha had gone to Dubai for foreign employment two years ago. He served as captain on a vessel for ‘Black Sea Marine LLC’ in Dubai. On January 12, he last contacted his family by phone to inform them he was in Iran and intended to return to Nepal once his work was completed.
Sunil added, ‘Communication was good at home; he was planning to come back after finishing his job. It appears he was captured while returning.’
Upon receiving the petition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assigned the Nepalese Embassy in Doha, Qatar to assess Jha’s situation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri stated, ‘Efforts are underway to gain consular access, and we have already initiated action through the Nepalese Embassy in Doha on this matter.’
The Embassy, the Ministry, and consulates in Iran are actively coordinating to gather information. The situation is being treated as a high priority despite limited accessibility due to ongoing conflict.
The Nepali consulate operating in Iran is currently functioning out of Turkey, and information exchange is conducted via the Nepalese Embassy and consulate in Doha.
Family members from Udaypur have traveled to Kathmandu due to Jha’s detention. His father suffers from heart disease, and so far the family has received no further updates on his status.
To ensure his safe release, Triyuga Municipality of Udaypur has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging immediate diplomatic intervention.
The Ministry reports there are currently 10 Nepalis in Iran, up from six previously, with four others recently contacted. All are reported safe and have been registered via the Indian Embassy for evacuation on rescue ships organized for Indian citizens.
The conflict between Israel–USA and Iran, ongoing for 22 days, has escalated tensions across Middle Eastern countries. Iran has targeted US military bases in Gulf countries with missile and drone attacks, heightening safety concerns for Nepali nationals in the region.
