8 ex-Indian Navy officers sentenced to the Death Penalty in Qatar; ‘Deeply shocked’, says MEA

A court in Qatar has sentenced eight former Indian Navy personnel to the death penalty, following their year-long detention in the country. Expressing profound shock at the verdict, the Indian government has pledged to find all legal avenues to ensure the release of its citizens.

The eight men, including distinguished officers with experience commanding significant Indian warships, were employed by Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services. This private company was responsible for delivering training and associated services to Qatar’s armed forces and security establishments. Despite repeated attempts for bail, the detainees faced continuous extensions of their detention by Qatari authorities. Among the detained Indian individuals is Commander (retired) Purnendu Tiwari, who held the position of Al Dahra’s managing director and notably commanded various warships during his tenure with the navy.

Expressing their shock over the issue the Ministry of External Affairs said “We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgment in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company. We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgment”. “We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” it added. The ministry emphasized its significant focus on the case and reiterated its close monitoring of the situation “We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” the ministry said, refraining from additional remarks due to the ongoing confidential nature of the case proceedings.

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