8 Detained Ex-Indian Navy Officers Gets Death Penalty in Qatar

The story was unveiled with utmost mystery when the Qatar government court announced the death penalty for eight retired Indian Navy personnel. The announcement came on Thursday on the personnel who were arrested last year.

These people were taken into Qatar government’s custody on August 30, 2022. Since then the 8 people have been under solitary confinement. Last year on March 28, the trial began.

In Qatar, the eight men were involved in Dahra Global Technologies, a defense services provider company. Until now the reason for detention has not been announced to the families of the eight men by the Qatari authorities. As per various reports, Dahra Global Technologies firm was associated with the training of the Qatari navy.

The Tale of Brother And Sister and the Qatar Government Involved

The news of the arrest made headlines when the managing director at the firm who was also the sister of a former commander, Meetu Bhargava tweeted about the matter. Meetu Bhargava sought help from the government in November 2023 to bring back her brother.

Meetu Bhargava told ANI that, “I made a tweet on October 25 and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back my brother who is in illegal detention in Doha, Qatar. My brother is a retired navy officer and he went there to provide training to the Qatari Navy through his company Dahra Global Consultancy Services.”

However, Punendu Tiwari was rewarded with the highest honor conferred on overseas Indians by the Government of India in 2019, with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on the recommendation put by the Qatari government.

As per reports, consular access was granted to all the men detained. However, the reason behind the detention of the officers was never disclosed publicly by the Qatar government. However, as per some efforts, the 8 men are accused of spying for Israel. As per another rumor prevailing, their detention might have a connection with the organization’s rivalry with another organization.

Government Of India Stance

S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister said earlier in December 2022 that the Qatar government and the Government of India was constantly in touch. ANI reported that S Jaishankar assured the arrested Indians would always be a priority for the country.

The EAM said in Rajya Sabha, “This is a very sensitive case. Their interests are foremost in our minds. Ambassadors and senior officials are in constant touch with Qatar’s government. We assure you they’re our priority.”

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