Nagpur Woman Urges CM Fadnavis to Intervene in Husband's Mali Detention Case
In a heartfelt appeal to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Priyanka Gulhane of Nagpur has sought urgent intervention to secure the release of her husband, Nitin Gulhane, who has been imprisoned in Mali for nearly a year. The civil engineer from Amravati, whose family resides in Dighori, was detained on February 25, 2025, following a meeting in Bamako related to bank guarantees for an electrification contract.
Unpaid Bail Amount of ₹3.25 Crore Remains Key Obstacle
Priyanka Gulhane revealed in her letter that a court-ordered bail of ₹3.25 crore has not been paid, despite repeated efforts. She expressed frustration that Aar Ess Exim Pvt Ltd (AEEPL), where Nitin served as deputy general manager, has taken no concrete steps to arrange the funds. "The company has taken no concrete steps to pay the bail amount," she wrote, adding that her own attempts to gather the substantial sum have been unsuccessful.
Nitin Gulhane was posted in Mali to oversee the electrification of 22 villages under a competitive tender, a project described by Priyanka as a lucrative offer meant to secure their family's future. The initiative was led by AEEPL in association with Navdurga Electronics Private Limited and Sun City Enterprises.
Diplomatic Efforts and Company Delays Highlighted
The matter has already been raised with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with a meeting held on September 11, 2025, attended by a senior official and the company's managing director. However, Priyanka stated that despite deadlines given by MEA, the company only delayed the process, exacerbating the situation.
In her appeal, Priyanka emphasized the urgency of the case, writing, "My husband's life, liberty and dignity depend on timely intervention." She urged authorities to ensure diplomatic and legal assistance through appropriate government channels to protect his well-being. Additionally, she has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate help.
Personal Background and Family Struggles
Recalling their time in Mali, Priyanka shared that the family spent nearly two years there with their first child before she returned to Nagpur in mid-2024 during the final trimester of her second pregnancy. She highlighted Nitin's challenging upbringing, noting that he lost his father early and was raised by a mother who took up odd jobs to fund his education. As the eldest, he managed to obtain a proper education, making his overseas assignment all the more critical for their future.
The case underscores the complexities of international projects and the need for robust support systems for Indian professionals working abroad. With diplomatic and legal hurdles persisting, Priyanka's appeal to CM Fadnavis marks a crucial step in seeking resolution and bringing her husband home.
