In December 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal reduced death sentences for eight Indian men, including naval veterans. Seven of them were released after 17 months, while Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains in Qatar due to a travel ban. The veterans appealed to Indian leadership for Tiwari’s return as Qatar’s Amir visits India, emphasizing the urgency of reuniting him with his family.
In December 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal reduced the death sentences of eight Indian men to prison terms ranging from three to 25 years. Among them were seven naval veterans who were released after 17 months in captivity on February 11, 2024, following extensive negotiations. They returned to New Delhi, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani to assist in the return of their colleague, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, who remains in Qatar due to a travel ban.
The appeal occurred just before Amir Al-Thani’s two-day state visit to India. Retired naval personnel, including Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, along with other commanders and a sailor, stressed the urgency of resolving Tiwari’s situation. Commander Sanjeev Gupta and Lieutenant Sugunakar Pakala jointly issued a statement requesting the lifting of the travel ban, emphasizing the importance of Tiwari’s reunion with his family, particularly his elderly mother.
The eight men were employees of Al Dahra Global Technologies, engaged in training and providing services to Qatar’s armed forces. They had been held without clear charges since August 2022. Among those released, Captain Gill earned the President’s gold medal during his naval academy graduation and later served as an instructor at the Defence Services Staff College in Tamil Nadu. Tiwari, notable for being awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, remains in Qatar despite the long ordeal.
The veterans recounted their harrowing experiences during the 17 months of imprisonment. Commander Gupta remarked on the severity of those first six months, stating, “At times, I got this feeling that I might die there only.” In the time spent in captivity, he diligently read 42 books and dedicated four hours each day to meditation and yoga practices, showcasing resilience amidst hardship.
The plight of Commander Purnendu Tiwari reflects the ongoing diplomatic challenges faced by Indian nationals in Qatar. The veterans’ appeal to their leaders highlights the urgency of resolving his situation, emphasizing familial bonds and human dignity. With the Amir’s visit, there lies hope for a swift resolution. The case serves as a reminder of the precariousness some individuals face abroad and the need for international advocacy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
