New Delhi: Over 6,470 Indian nationals were
lodged in different prisons of 71 countries across the world,
the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor in
a written reply said Indians in foreign prisons comprised of
6,313 men and 157 women.
He said 1,226 Indians were in Saudi Arabian jails whereas
1,092 of them were in jails in UAE.
Violation of entry provisions and breaching laws
pertaining to security are the main charges against 842
Indians in Pakistani jails.
365 men and 12 women are in Nepalese jails for various
charges ranging from murder, robbery, illegal trafficking of
animals to poaching.
China has put 174 Indian nationals behind bars for crimes
including credit card forgery, money laundering, rape and drug
trafficking.
"Through our missions and posts, we make all possible
efforts with foreign governments to provide necessary
assistance to the Indians in foreign jails," the Minister
said.
He said Indian missions and posts in foreign countries
are in regular touch with the families of the arrested
Indians.
Replying to another query, Tharoor said six Indian
fishermen have died in Pakistani jails while in custody
between 2004-10.
A total of 1,909 Indian boats were released by Pakistan
between 2005-10, he said.
PTI
