
Qatar gives 8 Indian Navy veterans death penalty; 'deeply shocked' Indian govt to challenge order
New Delhi: A court in Qatar handed down death sentences on Thursday to eight former Indian Navy personnel who had been jailed in the country for over a year. Responding to the verdict, the Indian government expressed “deep shock” and said it is exploring all available legal options.
Media reports said that the Navy veterans were accused of espionage in connection with a submarine program allegedly on behalf of Israel. Qatari authorities also claim to possess electronic evidence related to the case.
The Indian Navy veterans, including highly decorated officers who previously commanded important warships of the Indian Navy, were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company that provides training and related services to Qatar's armed forces, said media reports.
Some of them were reportedly engaged in a sensitive project involving Italian technology-based midget submarines with stealth capabilities.
The former Indian Navy officers—Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh—were arrested by the Qatar intelligence agency in Doha on August 30, 2022, India Today reported.
They have been in custody since August 2022, and New Delhi, having been granted consular access, has been actively working to secure their release.
The arrested men underwent trial proceedings in March.
Despite multiple attempts, their bail pleas were rejected by Qatari authorities. The death sentences were announced earlier in the day by a Court of First Instance in Qatar.
Top Headlines
-
News
PM Modi gives 'full freedom' to forces to avenge Pahalgam terror attack
April 29, 2025
-
News
Canada's Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is now on course to win the federal election and form the government for the fourth consecutive term, a rare event in the country's politics.
April 29, 2025
-
News
Ready to resume talks with Ukraine without preconditions: Putin tells US envoy as Trump warns of tougher actions
April 26, 2025
-
News
'Either our water will flow or their blood': Pakistan leader Bilawal Bhutto after India suspends Indus Waters Treaty
April 26, 2025
-
News
Pakistan threatens to suspend all agreements with India, including Simla Pact, after New Delhi's actions
April 24, 2025
-
News
At least 27 killed in Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, Amit Shah reaches Srinagar
April 22, 2025
-
News
Narendra Modi, Elon Musk discuss Indo-US tech collaboration
April 18, 2025
-
News
White House says China to face 245% tariff
April 16, 2025
-
News
Donald Trump's latest tariff hike on Beijing brings additional rate on some Chinese goods to 145 pct: White House
April 10, 2025
-
News
Flight carrying 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana departs US, to land in Delhi tomorrow
April 09, 2025