NEW DELHI, Nov 9: The Indian government having “deeply shocked by the verdict” has filed an appeal with Qatar over the death penalty to eight former Navy personnel, who were arrested in August last year for reasons still not known and sentenced last month.
At a scheduled press briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday Delhi has “already filed an appeal.” Mr Bagchi said case details remain unavailable. “The judgement is confidential… has only been shared with the legal team. We are now pursuing further legal steps.”
“We are in touch with the family (of the eight Naval officers)… if you remember, the External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) met their family in Delhi. We will continue to extend all possible legal and consular support,” Mr Bagchi stressed and cautioned against speculation in this sensitive matter. Consular access to the eight was last provided on Tuesday, Mr Bagchi added.
The eight ex-Navy officers included decorated individuals who once commanded major Indian warships, and were working for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private firm providing training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces, when arrested. Sources said some of the sailors were working on a sensitive project – stealth submarines based on Italian technology. Media reports have claimed they have been accused of spying for Israel.
Those sentenced include Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, and Saurabh Vasisht, all of whom hold the rank of Captain and Amit Nagpal, Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, and Sanjeev Gupta, who retired with the rank of Commander. Their trial began March 29 after bail pleas were rejected. Last week the families of the eight had flatly denied the spying allegations. They were “not engaged in espionage for Israel,” the families said. “They went to build the Qatari Navy and build that nation’s security. They could never spy. There are no proof of allegations…”
Two days earlier Mr Jaishankar met the families and said he shares their pain and concern. In a post on X he said, “Met this morning with families of 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that Government attaches highest importance to case. Fully share concerns and pain of families…”
(Manas Dasgupta)