Jagtial Man Stuck in Dubai Jail Over AED 150,000 Fine
Aegurla Mallesham, a resident of Mothkuraopet village in the Jagtial district of Telangana, remains imprisoned in Dubai's Awir Jail despite having completed his six-month prison sentence. His release is currently stalled by a significant financial penalty imposed by the court.
The Cost of Release
To secure his freedom and subsequent deportation, Mallesham is required to pay a fine of AED 150,000, which is approximately ₹39.3 lakh. This fine was levied by a Dubai court in connection with a forgery case involving the use of fake documents.
Illegal Entry and Circumventing Bans
The legal ordeal began when Mallesham attempted to enter the UAE from Oman. To bypass an existing UAE entry ban, he reportedly used desert routes without possessing a valid passport or visa. While he had previously worked in the UAE and lived there for nearly eight years, his recent attempt to return led to his apprehension during an inspection on March 8, 2026.
Following his arrest, the court sentenced him to six months in prison and ordered the payment of the substantial fine.
Government and Consular Involvement
The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed the details of the case after officials visited Awir Jail on July 23. This information was officially communicated to the NRI section of Telangana’s General Administration Department via an email from the Consular Section. Subsequently, a letter from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the findings of the consulate.
Family Appeals for Assistance
Mallesham’s family, including his wife Latha, his mother Buchavva, and village officials, have petitioned Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy through the CM Pravasi Prajavani portal, seeking help to resolve the situation.
State officials are currently exploring various ways to assist:
- Mandha Bheem Reddy, vice-chairman of the Telangana government’s NRI Advisory Committee, confirmed that the state is investigating legal avenues, including the possibility of a fine waiver or a pardon.
- Bibhuti Nath Pandey, Under Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been in correspondence with Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay regarding the case.
As of October 2026, Mallesham remains in detention as his family continues to struggle with the massive financial burden required to secure his release.