New Delhi: India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday expressed deep shock at the Qatari court’s decision to impose the death penalty on eight former Indian Navy officials.
The MEA stated its intention to discuss the verdict with Qatari authorities.
“We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgment in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company. We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgment,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
“We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” it added.
The group of eight men, which includes decorated officers with significant experience commanding major Indian warships, were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services. This private firm offered training and related services to Qatar’s armed forces. Despite multiple rejections of their bail pleas, Qatari authorities extended their detention.
According to earlier reports, the group faced accusations of spying on a submarine program on behalf of Israel. Qatari authorities have also indicated the possession of electronic evidence related to the alleged espionage.
Those sentenced are Capt Navtej Singh Gill, Capt Birendra Kumar Verma, Capt Saurabh Vasisht, Cdr Amit Nagpal, Cdr Purnendu Tiwari, Cdr Sugunakar Pakala, Cdr Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh.