MEA Confirms Envoy Meeting With 8 Ex-Indian Navy Men Amid Death Penalty Case

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the case involving eight Indian Navy officials given a death sentence in Qatar is currently under review at the Qatari Court of Appeal. The Indian envoy to Doha was granted consular access to meet all eight men on December 3, as disclosed by MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

Bagchi stated, "This case is presently undergoing proceedings in the court of appeal, with three hearings conducted so far in the Qatar Court of Appeal. Our ambassador in Doha had consular access and met with all eight men on December 3rd. However, I don't have further details to share at this point."

India had filed an appeal on behalf of the families of these former Navy personnel, resulting in three hearings conducted to date. Bagchi emphasized India's commitment to offering comprehensive legal and consular support, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue while assuring continued monitoring and disclosure of relevant updates.

He highlighted Prime Minister Modi's recent meeting with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad, the Amir of Qatar, during CoP28 in Dubai, where discussions encompassed bilateral relations and the welfare of the Indian community.

Earlier reports indicated Qatar's acceptance of India's appeal against the death penalty for the eight Navy veterans, who were apprehended in August last year while employed with Al Dahra, a private company, on alleged espionage charges. Neither Qatari authorities nor New Delhi have publicly disclosed the specific charges against the individuals.

Former military officials affirmed that all the former Navy officers held impeccable service records of up to 20 years, having served in significant roles, including as instructors in the Indian Navy. Al-Dhara Global ceased its operations in Doha in May, leading to the return of its employees, primarily Indians.

The eight Navy veterans-Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh-were sentenced to death on undisclosed charges following their tenure in the Indian Navy.