Riyadh: Saudi authorities have dismissed the claims made by an Indian expatriate in a viral video alleging that he was stranded and threatened in the Kingdom. The man, identified as 25-year-old Ankit Bharti, also known as Indrajit from Prayagraj district in Uttar Pradesh, appeared in the clip speaking in Bhojpuri with camels in the background, claiming his passport had been taken and that he was being threatened by someone named Kapil.
Bharti said he had arrived in Riyadh on October 1 after being persuaded by his wife and father-in-law to accept a job offer. He alleged that instead of employment, he was left isolated and threatened when he expressed a desire to return home. In the video, he appealed to viewers to share the clip widely so it would reach India’s Prime Minister.
The video quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a response from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. The Embassy stated that efforts were underway to locate Bharti but noted that the video lacked specific details such as location, province, or employer, making it difficult to take further action. Authorities in Prayagraj were asked to contact Bharti’s family for additional information.
The video was initially shared by Delhi-based lawyer Kalpana Shrivastav, who tagged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging intervention. Following an investigation, Eastern Province Police summoned Bharti and concluded that the video was created and circulated to boost views on his social media account.
Saudi Public Security confirmed that there was no dispute with the employer and that Bharti’s claims were unfounded. Legal action has been initiated against him in coordination with relevant authorities.