In a significant development, Qatar’s appeal court on Thursday commuted the death sentence of eight former Indian Navy officers involved in the alleged Dahra Global case. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India is actively monitoring the situation, providing support and assistance throughout the process.
“We have taken note of today’s decision of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, reducing the sentence,” a recent notification from the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The statement comes as a relief to the families of the officers and the Indian community at large, reflecting the continued efforts of the Government of India to ensure the welfare of its citizens abroad.
India on reduction in punishment?
Although a detailed decision is still awaited, the Ministry of External Affairs has committed to remain in close touch with both the legal team and the families of the accused to decide future actions.
“Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present at the appeals court today along with family members. We have stood with them since the beginning of the case and will continue to provide all consular and legal assistance,” the State Department statement said. ” , highlighted the continued assistance being provided by the Government of India to all jailed ex-Navy veterans.
The statement also noted the sensitivity and confidential nature of the proceedings, saying, “Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the proceedings in this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comments at this time.”
The reduction in sentence comes in view of the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai on December 1.
During the meeting, both the leaders discussed bilateral partnership and the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar. This was the first time PM Modi met the Emir of Qatar after the death sentence to eight former Indian Navy personnel.
Looking ahead, India may explore the option of bringing back the eight former naval officers to India and serve their sentences in Indian jails under the “Treaty on Transfer of Convicted Persons between India and Qatar”.
The treaty, approved by the Indian Cabinet on December 2, 2014, helps prisoners from both countries serve their remaining sentences near their families, while aiding their social rehabilitation.
The case is under intensive investigation after the arrest of the former officials in August 2022.
What was the matter ?
The former Indian Navy veteran, who worked with Aldahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, was arrested for his alleged involvement in a corruption and espionage case. The Indian government has vowed to explore all legal options and continues to engage with Qatari authorities on the matter, ensuring all possible legal and consular assistance.
On October 26, Qatar’s court of first instance awarded death sentence to eight Indian nationals who were arrested in August 2022. However, neither Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made public the charges against the Indian nationals.
When news of the death penalty made global headlines, India described the verdict as “deeply shocking” and vowed to explore all legal options in the case.
“The matter is currently in the legal process there. As we reported, an appeal has been filed with the Qatari Court of Appeal. We are also engaged with the Qatari authorities on this matter and we will continue to provide all legal and consular assistance. them), “External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said at a weekly media briefing.
“I would again urge everyone not to indulge in speculation given the sensitive nature of the matter,” he said.
The eight Indian Army officers captured in Qatar are: Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vashishtha, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh.