Arrested Over Khamenei Facebook Post, J&K Nurse Finally Returns Home After Three-Month Ordeal

A 29-year-old nurse from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district has finally reunited with his family after spending nearly three months in detention in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook post related to Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The case, which drew widespread attention across India, ended with his return home on Sunday following sustained diplomatic efforts and repeated appeals by his family.

Amjad Ali Bhat, a resident of Baramulla, had been working as a nurse specialist at a healthcare facility in Dammam after moving to Saudi Arabia in June 2025. He was detained by Saudi authorities on March 25 while at work. According to his family, he was allegedly arrested over a Facebook post about Khamenei and was held at an undisclosed detention centre without any communication for weeks, leaving relatives unaware of his whereabouts or the exact charges against him.

As the uncertainty grew, Amjad's family sought intervention from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the Ministry of External Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other public representatives. The family's repeated appeals received significant media attention, bringing the case into the national spotlight.

Following diplomatic engagement, Amjad was released and returned safely to Kashmir, where emotional scenes unfolded as relatives welcomed him home after nearly three months of anxiety. His father thanked the Government of India, the Indian Embassy, media organisations, and everyone who supported the family's campaign for his release. He also said Amjad has decided not to return abroad for work after the traumatic experience.

Although Saudi authorities have not officially disclosed the legal basis for either his detention or release, the incident has renewed attention on the challenges faced by Indian expatriate workers in Gulf countries, particularly regarding social media activity, legal protections, and communication with families during detention. The case has also highlighted the importance of diplomatic assistance for Indian nationals facing legal issues overseas.