Tricked into Drug Smuggling? Pathankot Family Pleads for Help as Trucker Faces Death Sentence in Saudi
The family of a Punjab truck driver is making an urgent plea to the Indian and Punjab governments to save their son from a potential death sentence in Saudi Arabia. Baljinder Singh, hailing from Sujanpur in the Pathankot district, has been incarcerated for approximately three years following a narcotics smuggling charge.
The Alleged Deception
According to his father, Jaswinder Singh, Baljinder was not part of any criminal network. The family claims the driver was misled by an acquaintance who requested him to transport a specific packet to Saudi Arabia. The acquaintance insisted the package contained essential medicine for an elderly, sick individual.
Jaswinder stated that while Baljinder initially refused the request, he was eventually convinced after being shown a video of the ailing person. However, during a routine vehicle inspection upon entering Saudi Arabia from Dubai, the package was found to contain narcotics, leading to his immediate arrest.
A Decade of Experience and a Family in Crisis
Baljinder is described as a professional driver with roughly ten years of experience operating trucks in Dubai, frequently making trips into Saudi Arabia. His parents, Jaswinder Singh and Gurmeet Kaur, maintain that he has no history of criminal activity. The situation has left his wife and two children without their primary breadwinner.
Legal Uncertainties and Strict Penalties
While the family has raised these claims, it is important to note that official judicial verification is still required. As of late September 2026, there has been no independent confirmation from Saudi authorities or the Indian government regarding the specific case number, the exact quantity of drugs seized, or the current status of any legal appeals.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has previously issued strict warnings to all transport personnel. Their guidelines emphasize that carrying any sealed parcels, medicines, or items for third parties without proper documentation can lead to extremely harsh penalties under Saudi law.
Consular Support and Emergency Contacts
For Indian nationals facing legal difficulties in the region, the following contact details have been provided by the Indian Embassy and Consulate:
Indian Embassy in Riyadh
- 24-Hour Helpline: 00-966-11-4884697
- WhatsApp: 00-966-542126748
- Toll-Free: 800 247 1234
- Community Welfare Wing Email: [email protected]
- Prison-Related Matters: 00-966-11-4816348
Consulate General in Jeddah (Western Saudi Arabia)
- WhatsApp: +966 536209704
- Mobile: +966 556122301
- Toll-Free: 800 244 0003