Eight Indian naval veterans had their death sentences commuted in Qatar in December 2023. While most were released, Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains detained under a travel ban. Fellow veterans are appealing to PM Modi and Qatar’s Amir for his return, particularly in light of the Amir’s upcoming visit to India.
In December 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal modified the death sentences given to eight Indian naval veterans, reducing them to prison terms between three to 25 years. These service members were sentenced on unclear allegations but were subsequently released in February 2024 after 17 months of detention. Among them, Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains in Qatar due to a travel restriction, prompting his fellow veterans to appeal for his return.
With the imminent two-day state visit of Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the veterans, including Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Amir to facilitate Tiwari’s repatriation. They emphasized the urgency of resolving this issue given the longstanding diplomatic relationship between India and Qatar.
The detained personnel worked for Al Dahra Global Technologies, which provided training for Qatar’s armed forces. They had been imprisoned since August 2022, facing vague charges. Their military careers included multiple commendations, with Gill notably earning a President’s gold medal during his naval training.
Tiwari has previously been honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, acknowledging his contributions and status among non-resident Indians. The veterans expressed distress over their time in captivity, citing severe conditions which led to lasting psychological impacts. Gupta recounted his feelings during captivity, stating, “Those 17 months were horrendous. The first six months were even worse,” illustrating the depth of their ordeal.
This article highlights the plight of Indian naval veterans detained in Qatar, with a particular focus on Commander Purnendu Tiwari, who remains stranded due to a travel ban. The veterans have made appeals to both the Indian and Qatari leaders for his safe return, citing the significance of diplomatic relations. Their harrowing experiences shed light on the personal and emotional implications of such detentions amid evolving bilateral ties between nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
