New Delhi:
Eight former officers of the Indian Navy have been handed loss of life penalty in Qatar following allegations of spying for Israel, sources stated. Calling the judgement “shocking”, the overseas ministry stated it could not remark a lot on the case given the “confidential nature of proceedings” however assured that it could contest the case.
The males, together with embellished officers who as soon as commanded main Indian warships, had been working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a non-public agency that offered coaching and associated companies to Qatar’s armed forces. Sources stated a few of them had been engaged on a extremely delicate undertaking — Italian technology-based midget submarines with stealth traits.
The males have been in jail since August 2022. Granted consular entry to them, New Delhi has been working to safe their launch. The males went to trial in March.
Their bail pleas had been rejected quite a few occasions and their detention prolonged by Qatari authorities. Today, the Court of First Instance of Qatar handed a judgement.
Those sentenced are Capt Navtej Singh Gill, Capt Birendra Kumar Verma, Capt Saurabh Vasisht, Cdr Amit Nagpal, Cdr Purnendu Tiwari, Cdr Sugunakar Pakala, Cdr Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh.
“We are deeply shocked by the verdict of 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,” the overseas ministry stated in a press release.
“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,” the ministry assertion learn.
Meetu Bhargava, sister of 1 the previous officers detained, had sought assist from the authorities to convey her brother again.
In a publish on X, previously Twitter, 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,” learn her publish, tagged to PM Modi and union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh.