THE frustrated family of a Dumbarton man imprisoned in India have warned they’ll protest if the Government doesn’t raise his cause with the Indian Prime Minister.

Jagtar Singh Johal was at the centre of a House of Commons debate on British nationals detained abroad, where Preet Kaur Gill MP asked if the Scot’s case would be raised by Prime Minister Theresa May during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit next month.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Mark Field MP said: “I will try to ensure that is done. The MPs will be well aware that these things rightly often have to be done on a private basis rather than through megaphone diplomacy.”

He added: “I assure the house that we shall continue to raise this case at senior levels with the Indian authorities until the serious allegations raised by Mr Johal have been properly investigated.”

However, the response from Mr Field has left the family feeling “helpless” and they’ve vowed they will march if the Government does not raise awareness of the 30-year-old’s case.

Jagtar’s brother Gurpreet told the Evening Times: “It shows that they don’t have the power to do anything so that’s concerning.

“If he’s done something, charge him, let him have a fair trial. They’re not even allowing that to happen.

“If they have all this proof like they say the y do, why not charge him? Frustrated is one word, disappointed, helpless.”

The birthday of Gurpreet’s youngest child is fast approaching and the family say they are devastated to be spending yet another milestone without Jagtar, who has now been imprisoned for 133 days.

Jagtar was arrested in India in early November, just days after being married in the country.

His wife is now in hiding, afraid for her own life due to the taunts she receives when she ventures outside, Gurpreet says. Her only visits out are to visit her new husband behind bars.

Complicated immigration laws mean she is unable to return to Scotland without Jagtar.

Gurpreet added: “The family as a whole is quite upset, it’s just trying to get on and raise awareness.

“There’s nothing in the immigration laws about British nationals detained abroad and what that means for spouses, but we want her here safe.

“If the Government aren’t going to raise the case of Jagtar, then we will have to. We will protest when the Prime Minister is here. We have to do something.”

Indian authorities allege Jagtar was involved in financing the killing of Hindu leaders but he has not been formally charged with any offence.