Mohammad Khalid, who is a native of Bihar and has been working in Bahrain for the past eight years, was sentenced to three years in jail and slapped with a fine of 5,000 Bahraini dinars (Rs 9.73 lakh) for violating COVID-19 rules. This came into light after his brother Hussain Ahmed wrote a letter to Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India. He has sought help from the Indian authorities "to intervene and rescue him as soon as possible" from the jail in Bahrain.
In the letter, Hussain said Khalid had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 18. "He was sent to Sitra Covid Camp for three days later was shifted to Al Andalus Hotel and again shifted to Salmaniya Hospital and was advised home quarantine for 17 days with Electronic Tracker Wristband on his wrist," wrote Hussain.
He added that Khalid lived in a company-provided room and as there was no one to provide food, Khalid went out on June 7, nearly 50 yards from his residence.
"Suddenly one local person made his video viral on social media claiming that my brother is seen roaming having Electronic Tracker Wristband. Immediately he was arrested and taken to Sitra Covid Camp and a tested again which was found negative, But inspite of his reports being found negative he was taken to a local court sentenced three years jail with a fine of 5000 Bahrian Dinnars," said Hussain.
He further said that according to his brother, he has been illegally fined and sentenced inspite of his reports being found negative and home quarantine period over.
Hussain further requested the MEA to "kindly interfere in this matter" and assist them as they are not in a position to provide any legal help.