THE family of detained Scot Jagtar Singh Johal have urged the UK Government to intervene after Covid reached his cell block.
The 33-year-old, known as Jaggi, alleges torture by Indian authorities since his arrest there in 2017.
That took place shortly after his wedding in the Punjab region and Jaggi says a “confession” he signed over involvement in a murder plot was obtained after electrocution and other mistreatment. He is currently being held in Tihar Jail in Delhi, where coronavirus is now affecting prisoners.
READ MORE: Jagtar Singh Johal and India's Covid lockdown
Last year the Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, spoke out about their Covid-19 fears, saying they worry the prevalence of underlying health conditions amongst the family could put Jagtar at additional risk. Now the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed there has been a diagnosed Covid-19 case in the block where Jagtar is being held.
And they’re asking UK authorities to help get him vaccinated. His brother Gurpreet Singh Johal, a solicitor, told the Sunday National: “We have repeatedly told the UK Government about the family’s health history and raised how this makes Jagtar more vulnerable to Covid-19. However, despite this they have not raised the fact Jagtar should be vaccinated.
“The family are highly anxious about Jagtar’s health and mental state of mind. We are further concerned as Jagtar has requested to call the family over a number of weeks ago and to date, no permission has been granted and no phone call has been received.”
The UK Government says it will raise concerns about the case “at all appropriate opportunities”. The FCDO said: “We have consistently raised our concerns about Mr Johal’s case with the Government of India, including his allegations of torture and mistreatment and his right to a fair trial. As well as maintaining regular contact with British detainees across India, we are also making weekly calls to Tihar Jail in Delhi, where Mr Johal is detained, to check on his welfare and the Covid situation in the jail.”
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