8 ex-Indian Navy sailors get death sentence in Qatar; MEA exploring legal options

India has expressed “deep shock” over a Qatari court handing the death penalty to eight Indian nationals, saying that it is exploring all legal options in the case.

“We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” MEA said in a statement.

The eight former Indian Navy personnel have been in jail since August last year. They are accused of espionage on behalf of Israel, with Qatari authorities reportedly having possession of electronic evidence to support these allegations.

VIDEO | “It is absolutely shocking. India has such good relations with Qatar and this was not expected. We hardly even know the charges against them. I do not think the trial has been fair. Indian government should be proactive in getting them out as they are our veterans,” says… pic.twitter.com/OVjmAVX299

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 26, 2023

“It is absolutely shocking. India has such good relations with Qatar and this was not expected. We hardly even know the charges against them. I do not think the trial has been fair. Indian government should be proactive in getting them out as they are our veterans,” said former spokesperson of Indian Navy Captain D K Sharma.

According to media reports, these individuals were part of a group of former Indian Navy members employed by Dahra Global Technologies. They were working on a project of great sensitivity, involving the construction of midget submarines with stealth capabilities based on Italian technology.

These officials have been identified as 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, according to various media reports.

“We attach high importance to this case and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” it said.

Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,” says the Ministry of External Affairs.

Sources told the ANI that there is a possibility of the ex-Indian Navy officers being “framed” by Pakistani intelligence agencies.

Last year, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said, “We are engaged with the Qatari authorities. Our embassy in Doha continues to remain in touch with the families. The next day of the hearing is in early May. We are trying to see what can be done before that in connection with that hearing.”

Meetu Bhargava, who is the sister of one of the officers detained and lives in Gwalior, sought help from the Indian government to bring her brother back. In a post on X on June 8 she had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.

“These Ex Navy officers are the pride of the nation & again I request our Hon’ble Prime Minister with folded hands that it is high time that they all are brought back to India immediately without any further delay pl. @narendramodi @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @MOS_MEA” she posted on X.

08 Veteran Indian Naval Offrs Trg Qatar Navy picked up at midnight 30 Aug 22 by Qatar Security Bureau, in solitary confinement. Letter to Hon’ble External Affairs Minister with copies to Hon’ble PM, RM & three Chiefs is att. Govt requested for release Veteran Offrs. pic.twitter.com/HcQJdwnw3X

— Maj Gen Satbir Singh SM (@satbirsm) November 29, 2022