UP Merchant Navy Officer Anil Singh Detained in Iran; Family Appeals to PM Modi for Release

Pratapgarh, January 17, 2026: Indian Merchant Navy Chief Officer Anil Singh has been jailed by Iranian authorities on allegations of diesel smuggling, prompting urgent appeals from his family to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs, and local authorities. Singh hails from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh.

On Friday, Singh’s wife Gayatri Singh and son Rituraj Singh met with District Magistrate Shiv Sahay Awasthi seeking assistance. Rituraj also sent an online appeal to the Ministry of External Affairs requesting his father’s safe return.

Ship Seized During Iranian Inspection
According to Rituraj, his father has served in the Merchant Navy since 2009. On December 8, 2025, the ship MT Valiant Roar, departing from Dubai, was intercepted by Iranian forces. The vessel had 18 crew members onboard: 16 Indians, 1 Sri Lankan, and 1 Bangladeshi. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) allegedly pursued the ship before seizing it.

All crew members were taken to Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, where they were held for over a month. On January 6, 2026, 10 Indian crew members, including Anil Singh, were transferred to prison. Eight others remain confined on the ship.

Family Denies Smuggling Allegations
Iranian authorities have accused the crew of diesel smuggling. However, the family insists the charge is completely false, stating the ship was carrying chemicals at the time, not diesel or any other smuggled goods.

Rituraj Singh said he last spoke to his father on January 8, 2026, in a brief two-minute call, during which Anil Singh requested that the family pressure authorities for their release. The ship is operated by Glory International / Prime Tanker LLC. Despite sending appeals to the central government and Ministry of External Affairs, the family has not yet received a response.

Wife Appeals for Immediate Action
Gayatri Singh stated that after the ship’s seizure, all crew members were held onboard for over a month before being jailed. She has now appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the immediate release of her husband and the other crew members still detained.