8 former Indian Navy officials sentenced to death in Qatar

8 former Indian Navy officials sentenced to death in Qatar

8 ex-Indian Navy personnel captured by Qatar in August last year have been sentenced to death. The ex-officers have been accused of spying, but neither India nor Qatar have clarified the charges.

In response, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, "We're very shocked by the death sentence and are waiting for more details. We're in contact with the families and legal team, considering all legal possibilities.

"Additionally,, "We consider this case very important and have been monitoring it closely. We will keep providing consular and legal help and will discuss the decision with Qatari authorities."

The group, which comprised distinguished officers who had previously led significant Indian warships, was employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company that offered training and related services to Qatar's military. Sources revealed that some of them were involved in a highly sensitive project concerning Italian technology-driven small submarines with stealth features.

The initial trial hearing took place on March 29. According to family sources, they have not been informed about the specific charges of the trial by either Qatari authorities or Indian officials who met the prisoners during consular access.

They were arrested on the night of August 30 last year by the Qatari State Security.

Since then, they have been kept in isolation, and the charges against them have not been disclosed publicly. Their families have been urging New Delhi to ensure their prompt release.

The eight veterans - Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purenendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, and Sailor Rajesh - were employed at Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a defense services company owned by a retired squadron leader of the Royal Omani Air Force.

It was also mentioned that the Omani national was arrested along with the eight Indians but was released in November.

Their requests for bail were denied multiple times, and Qatari authorities prolonged their detention.

On Thursday, the Qatar Court of First Instance delivered a verdict.