In a recent development, a Qatari court has decided to commute the death sentence of eight former Indian Navy personnel, who were initially sentenced earlier this year, to varying prison terms ranging from three to 25 years. The decision came during the appeal hearing for the eight individuals, who were detained in August 2022 under undisclosed charges, believed to be related to espionage, although specific details have not been disclosed by Qatari and Indian authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs released a brief statement confirming the reduction in sentences by Qatar’s Court of Appeal for the eight men, including Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, and Sugunakar Pakala, as well as sailor Ragesh. The detailed judgment is still awaited, according to the statement.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the Qatari court not only commuted the death sentence but also imposed varying prison terms, ranging from a few years to several years. The terms reportedly span from three years to 10, 15, and 25 years.
The commutation of the death sentence opens the possibility for India to invoke a 2015 agreement with Qatar concerning the transfer of sentenced persons. This agreement allows citizens of India and Qatar convicted and sentenced for criminal offenses to serve their sentences in their respective home countries, excluding cases involving the death penalty.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the Indian government is closely coordinating with the legal team and families of the eight individuals to determine the next course of action. The Indian ambassador to Qatar, along with other officials, was present during the Court of Appeal verdict announcement.
Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the case, the ministry refrained from making detailed comments. However, they affirmed their commitment to providing consular and legal assistance, pledging to continue engaging with Qatari authorities.
The families of the eight men had previously sought a pardon from the Emir of Qatar, a customary practice during Qatar’s national day on December 18 and Eid festivals. The individuals were employed by a subsidiary of Oman-based Dahra Engineering & Security Services, which provided services to Qatar’s armed forces and was subsequently closed down in May of the same year. The legal process is expected to continue, and the Indian side is exploring options, including potential further appeals against the prison terms imposed on the former naval personnel.
