A file photo of JD(S) leader and MLC S.L. Bhoje Gowda.
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
Janata Dal (Secular) Member of the Legislative Council S.L. Bhojegowda, who found himself stranded in Dubai amid the escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, has alleged that the Indian Embassy failed to extend any support during the crisis and credited the Dubai administration for ensuring his safe return.
Speaking to reporters after landing in Bengaluru late on Monday (March 2, 2026) night, Mr. Bhojegowda said, “It was the Dubai government, and not Indian diplomatic officials, that facilitated the evacuation of Indian passengers when flight operations were disrupted.”
He was among 213 travellers, including badminton star P.V. Sindhu, who reached India after services gradually resumed.
‘No communication from Indian Embassy’
According to Mr. Bhojegowda, no assistance was forthcoming from the Indian Embassy during the emergency. “It is the responsibility of the embassy to reach out to citizens in distress and provide necessary help. However, we did not receive any communication from them. The Dubai authorities and Emirates Airlines took decisive action and arranged for our departure,” he said.
He pointed out that while he could rely on personal contacts to manage the situation, many ordinary passengers lacked such access. “I could make calls and coordinate because I know people. But what about common travellers who do not have such connections?” he asked, raising concerns over the support mechanisms available to Indians abroad during crises.
Visa and accommodation issues
Mr. Bhojegowda explained that he was travelling back to Bengaluru from Johannesburg, South Africa, following the death of his elder brother. Dubai was a transit halt on his journey. Upon arrival, he boarded a connecting flight scheduled to depart for Bengaluru. However, the aircraft remained grounded for over two hours before passengers were informed that the departure had been postponed due to reported bombings.
“The announcement created panic. Within minutes, several flights were cancelled and confusion spread across the airport,” he recounted. Passengers seeking to exit the airport were required to possess a valid Dubai visa. Mr. Bhojegowda managed to secure a visa on arrival owing to his existing US visa.
He said Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy assisted him in arranging accommodation at a hotel in Dubai. “Just an hour before I reached the hotel, there had been a blast nearby,” he said, describing the tense atmosphere.
Constant fear
Recounting the night, Mr. Bhojegowda claimed that alarms went off around midnight, prompting guests to move to the basement amid fears of fresh attacks. “Hundreds of people, mostly foreigners, remained there until nearly 3 a.m.,” he said. The following morning, he shifted to a friend’s residence, where he said multiple explosions were reported in close proximity.
Meanwhile, P.V. Sindhu took to X on Tuesday to confirm her safe return to Bengaluru. She described the past few days as “intense and uncertain” and expressed gratitude to the ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport personnel and immigration officials for their support. “The compassion and professionalism shown during a difficult time meant a great deal,” she wrote.
Published – March 03, 2026 06:03 pm IST
