The verdict for the ongoing trial of eight Indian naval veterans in Doha is set to be announced on Thursday. The families of these veterans are optimistic about their repatriation.
“We are hopeful to welcome them back by Diwali. There is a sense of optimism in our homes, and we are presuming their return,” stated a relative of one of the veterans.
The eight veterans are identified as Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh.
They were detained by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior on August 30, 2022, for questioning and have not returned home since. They were initially held in solitary confinement and later faced charges (the details of which have not been publicly disclosed).
In October 2022, they were asked to prepare to return to India and began packing their bags, but their circumstances changed, and they were sent back to solitary confinement. The bags they brought with them remain in their possession within their cells. Over the past few months, they have been sharing cells with one other.
These individuals were previously employed by Dhara Consultancies, which had to close its operations earlier this year.
“The seventh hearing on the charges against these officers took place on October 3. On October 1, India’s Ambassador in Doha and Deputy Head of Mission met with the eight naval veterans. We have also maintained regular contact with their families, providing all possible assistance,” stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
