Jaswant Singh, who had been stranded abroad for nearly 16 years, has returned to India owing to the efforts of former MP Avinash Rai Khanna and prompt action by the Centre.
Addressing a press conference, Khanna said Jaswant of village Ghagon Rodanwali in Garhshankar, had gone to Italy for employment and later moved to Austria. During his stay in Austria, Jaswant was involved in an altercation, following which the police confiscated his passport. As a result, he was unable to return to India and remained stuck there for several years.
Khanna said despite making repeated efforts at their own level, Jaswant’s family failed to bring him back home. He added that later his father Karnail Singh approached and informed the ex-MP about his son being stranded in Austria, requesting assistance for his safe return to India.
Khanna stated that he took up the matter with the Centre and assured the family of all possible help. Owing to the swift intervention of the Government of India, Jaswant Singh has returned to his homeland after 16 years.
Expressing gratitude to the Centre, Khanna appealed to people to always provide correct information to embassies and travel abroad only through legal and proper channels. He said the Centre remains committed to assisting Indians living abroad and has also launched a help portal for this purpose.
Through the media, Khanna further appealed that if any person is stranded abroad or facing difficulties, they or their family members in India may contact his office and every possible effort will be made to convey their case to the Government of India and ensure assistance.