New Delhi: In a startling turn of events, a court in Qatar has handed down the death penalty to eight former Indian Navy personnel, leaving the Indian government deeply shocked. The individuals, who have been detained in Qatar for over a year, were working for Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm providing training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces and security agencies. The charges against these individuals, including decorated officers who have commanded major Indian warships, have not been disclosed publicly, but sources suggest they are related to espionage.
The detained individuals, including Commander (retired) Purnendu Tiwari, who served as Al Dahra’s managing director and had commanded several warships during his naval tenure, have been kept in solitary confinement for extended periods. Their bail pleas were denied multiple times, and their detention was prolonged by Qatari authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India issued a statement expressing deep shock over the verdict. The ministry revealed that the Court of First Instance of Qatar had passed a judgment, sentencing the eight Indian employees of Al Dahra company to death. The Indian government is now actively exploring all available legal options to secure the release of its citizens. They are in close contact with the family members and the legal team of the detained individuals, providing necessary consular and legal assistance.
It has been reported that an Indian journalist and his spouse were recently asked to leave Qatar by local authorities for reporting on this case. The exact details of the charges against the detained individuals remain confidential, raising concerns about the nature of the accusations and the legal process involved. The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that they will continue to follow the case closely and extend all possible assistance, while also planning to take up the verdict with Qatari authorities. The situation remains tense, as the fate of these eight individuals hangs in the balance, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts from the Indian government.
