The lack of government action to help a Dumbarton man imprisoned in India is “astounding”, according to West Dunbartonshire’s MP.

Martin Docherty-Hughes has hit out after leading a debate in the House of Commons last week to highlight the case of Jagtar Singh Johal.

Jagtar, known as Jaggi, has been imprisoned in India for over a year where, it is claimed, he has endured physical and mental torture.

MP Docherty-Hughes called on the UK government – yet again – to step in and help the Oxhill Road man.

The politician has raised the issue in the House of Commons and has written to Ministers a number of times since Mr Singh Johal’s imprisonment, but without success.

The SNP MP said: “The lack of action from the UK government in Jagtar Singh Johal’s case has been astounding.

“Whilst successive foreign secretaries have failed to make any real progress, it’s now time for the UK government to get serious about protecting UK citizens abroad.

Jagtar Singh Johal from Dumbarton

“My constituent’s shocking description of his mental and physical torture have fallen on deaf ears in Whitehall, which perfectly exemplifies the lack of regard the UK government has for its citizens overseas.

“Over a year since my constituent was imprisoned, I hope that in bringing this debate to the House of Commons the Tory government will finally take decisive action to help my constituent.

“Over a year since Jagtar’s arrest, and alleged torture, it is now more important than ever
that HM Government does what it can to ensure that India upholds the democratic values of transparency, rule of law and due process.”

Jagtar travelled to India for his wedding, but was captured and imprisoned just days after he was married.

The former Our Lady and St Patrick’s pupil is said to have been charged under anti-terror laws for allegedly financing the murder of Hindu nationalist leader Ravinder Gosain, who was shot dead in October last year.

Jagtar’s brother Gurpreet Singh Johal previously said that the allegations were “baseless”.

During his time in prison, it has been widely reported that Jagtar has been tortured both physically and mentally.

His family were due to meet former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson after pleading for help.

However, Johnson resigned before the meeting took place.