In December 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal modified death sentences of eight Indian naval veterans to prison terms. While two have returned to India, Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains in Qatar under a travel ban. Fellow veterans have urged Indian Prime Minister Modi and Qatar’s Amir to facilitate his return, especially given the Amir’s upcoming visit to India.
In December 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal reduced the death sentences of eight Indian nationals to prison terms, varying from three to 25 years. Two of the previously sentenced naval veterans, Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, who returned to India after nearly 17 months of captivity, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, for assistance in repatriating their fellow officer, Commander Purnendu Tiwari (retd), who remains in Qatar.
This plea coincides with the Amir’s two-day state visit to India. The veterans stressed the urgency of lifting Tiwari’s travel ban, highlighting their camaraderie and the impact of this prolonged separation on his family, particularly his elderly mother.
The eight individuals were detained while working for Al Dahra Global Technologies since August 2022 under unclear charges. Notably, the veterans include high-ranking officials recognized for their distinguished service in the Indian Navy, with Gill being a recipient of the President’s Gold Medal for excellence. Tiwari was earlier honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, acknowledging his contributions.
Commander Sanjeev Gupta, who endured significant hardship during detention, described the experience as harrowing, stating, “Those 17 months were horrendous. The first six months were even worse. At times, I got this feeling that I might die there only,” referencing his survival strategies during captivity.
The plight of Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains a pressing humanitarian issue, as he is still unable to return to India due to a travel ban. The call from his fellow veterans to the leaders of India and Qatar exemplifies the significance of diplomatic intervention in securing his release. Continued advocacy and efforts are necessary to bring attention to this situation and facilitate Tiwari’s timely return to his family.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
