Jagtial man completes jail term in Dubai but remains behind bars over Rs 39 lakh fine

A Jagtial man who completed a six-month prison sentence in Dubai remains in custody for allegedly being unable to pay a Rs 39 lakh fine imposed in a forgery case. His family has sought Telangana government intervention for his release and repatriation

Hyderabad: A man from Jagtial district who completed a six-month prison sentence in Dubai continues to remain in jail as he is unable to pay a fine of AED 1,50,000 (about Rs 39 lakh), prompting his family to seek the Telangana government’s intervention for his release and repatriation.

Aegurla Mallesham, a native of Mothkuraopet village in Beemaram mandal, had travelled to Muscat in Oman in search of work in 2018. He allegedly entered the UAE illegally without a passport or visa and stayed there for nearly eight years before being apprehended during an inspection on March 8.

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A Dubai court sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment and imposed the fine in a forgery case involving fake documents, followed by deportation.

Mallesham’s wife Latha, mother Buchavva, village sarpanch Enugula Lachaiah and village elder Bhoomalla Mahesh recently petitioned Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy through CM Pravasi Prajavani, seeking his release and return to India.

Mandha Bheem Reddy, Vice-Chairman of the Telangana Government’s NRI Advisory Committee, said the government had obtained details from the Indian Consulate in Dubai. Consular officials who visited Awir Jail on July 23 confirmed the sentence and fine.

As Mallesham remains unable to pay the fine, consultations are underway with legal experts on waiver, pardon or other legal remedies, Reddy said.