“India’s Shocking Dilemma: Eight Nationals Face Death Penalty in Qatar”

The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed profound dismay after receiving preliminary information that a court in Qatar has imposed the death penalty on eight Indian individuals employed by the Al Dahra company, which operates within the oil-rich nation. In an official statement, the Ministry conveyed its active engagement with the families of the affected individuals and its commitment to exploring all available legal avenues. The Ministry further pledged to provide comprehensive consular and legal support to the victims.

“We are deeply disturbed by the issuance of the death penalty verdict and await the release of the detailed judgment. We maintain ongoing contact with the family members and legal representatives, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of legal remedies. This case holds significant importance for us, and we continue to closely monitor its developments. We stand ready to extend our full consular and legal assistance, while also addressing this matter with the Qatari authorities,” the Ministry’s statement affirmed.

The eight men in question are former members of the Indian Navy who have been in the custody of Qatari authorities since August 2022, facing undisclosed charges. Notably, these individuals include highly decorated officers who have commanded prominent Indian warships. They were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company specializing in military training for the country’s armed forces.

India had anticipated a verdict in this case within the current month, with the seventh hearing having taken place on October 3. On October 1, India’s Ambassador to Qatar met with the detained individuals, underlining the Indian government’s persistent efforts to secure their repatriation.

Anonymous sources familiar with the matter have suggested that the charges brought against the eight men revolve around espionage, though both governments have refrained from disclosing specific details of these allegations.

The eight individuals have been identified as 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. Their detention took place in Doha, Qatar.