Eight former Indian navy officers, including decorated officers – employees of the Al Dahra firm- received the death penalty on Thursday, October 27 from the Court of First Instance in Qatar on charges of espionage. Their bail plea was also denied eight times. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has released a statement expressing profound shock at the verdict and is currently awaiting the release of the detailed judgement. It has reiterated that it will contest the judgement, explore all legal options, and extend consular and legal assistance to the arrested personnel. The officials have been in solitary confinement since their arrest on August 30, 2022.
The Indian nationals were detained last year on suspicion of gaining unauthorised access to confidential data while working for the Al Dahra company in Doha. The individuals, who were once in the navy, were working with Dahra Global Technologies and Consultant Services, which provided training to Qatar’s Armed forces. Notably, the company also produced Italian-made, high-tech submarines that were renowned for their stealthiness.
On August 30, 2022, Qatari intelligence arrested the eight former Indian Naval officers in Doha. One of them, Commander (retired) Purnendu Tiwari, received an award from India in 2019 for his contributions as an Indian expatriate. Other officers who were arrested are Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Sailor Ragesh, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, and Commander Sanjeev Gupta.
The group of Indians is accused of espionage or spying, which involves getting secret or confidential information, often for a government, company, or other group. The person who does this is called a spy. Sometimes, it’s done secretly and without permission, and that’s why is generally not welcomed.
The matter went to trial for the first time in March of this year, and then again in June. The Indian envoy to Qatar met with the inmates as recently as October 1, and they were granted consular access on several occasions. Despite these exchanges, due to the case’s delicate nature, both parties have kept information related to the case confidential.
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal has expressed grief and concern over the matter, requesting the centre to ‘save them anyhow’.
The official statement released on 26th October by the Ministry of External Affairs states: We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement 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 judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options.”
“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.”
“Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture.”
Further information is yet to be released, but India wholeheartedly awaits a positive outcome.
