At the eight Indian nationals and former Indian navy into custody by the Qatar government officials in August 2022, were in a sudden turn of events, released at midnight in Doha. Out of these eight, seven were flown back to India within minutes of their release while one former Indian navy commander Purnendu Tiwari, has been asked to stay back by the Qatar authorities so that the investigation in the case can be completed by the Qatari officials.
While an official confirmation was awaited, sources told the Daily Guardian that the eight Indians had received a pardon from the Emir of Qatar, Tamim Ibn Hamad AI Thani. India-based family members of some of these eight individuals were informed about their release at 2.30 AM in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.
Family members and sources in Delhi and Doha told the Daily Guardian that their release, which was looking a distant reality for many, became possible after Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally intervened in the matter and requested Hamad AI Thani to release the eight Indians.
On Monday, it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a previously unscheduled visit to Qatar to meet the emir and personally thank him. Modi is going on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirate on February 13-14.
He will reach Doha on the evening of February 14 and fly back to India on the evening of February 15.
Till last week, beat reporters who claim to have access to the top offices of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), were publicly claiming to other journalists and MEA officials that the return of these eight Indians was 'very difficult' and unlikely to happen any time soon.
Sources said that the head of another of India's ally, who respects the PM a lot and also shares very good relations with the Qatar government, too played an important role in resolving this crisis.
This story is from the February 13, 2024 edition of The Daily Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 13, 2024 edition of The Daily Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ECI delegation in Jharkhand to review poll preparedness
A delegation of the Election Commission of India led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar arrived in Ranchi on Monday to review poll preparedness for assembly elections in Jharkhand expected to be held later this year.
Tirupati Prasadam row: BJP's TN unit urges Andhra govt to take action to restore trust
The BJP's Tamil Nadu unit on Monday urged the Andhra Pradesh government to take swift action to restore the trust of the devotees of Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple following the laddu prasadam controversy.
West Bengal BJP leaders stage protest, demand justice for RG Kar incident
West Bengal BJP leaders on Monday staged a protest outside the DC north office demanding justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder incident.
SC urges Parliament to amend POCSO Act to rename 'child pornography'
The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Parliament to bring a law amending the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to replace the term \"child pornography\" with \"child sexual exploitative and abusive material.
Apex court lists hearing on RG Kar rape-murder case for Sept. 30
The Supreme Court on Monday listed for September 30 the hearing on a suo motu petition on the rape and murder of a doctor in the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Farooq Abdullah urges support for Congress-NC alliance
National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah urged people to vote for the Congress-NC alliance in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, emphasizing that the contest is not about religion but about action.
Rahul Gandhi Criticizes PM Modi, Calls for Restoration of J&K Statehood
Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, accusing him of ignoring critical issues in Jammu and Kashmir while engaging in rhetoric through his \"Man ki Baat\" broadcasts.
Mayawati slams Congress for marginalising Dalit leaders
In the midst of an escalating political controversy surrounding the alleged sidelining of senior Congress Dalit leader Kumari Selja in Haryana, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of using Dalit leaders for political expediency.
Union Minister Bittu criticises Rahul, highlights respect for Sikhs as 'Sardar Ji
Following Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasara's warning, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu arrived in Jaipur on Monday.
J&K: OVER 25 LAKH VOTERS TO DECIDE FATE OF 239 CANDIDATES IN 2ND PHASE POLLS
Poonch district, with three constituencies, has 3,52,330 voters facilitated by 483 polling stations, while Reasi has 2,37,205 voters and 436 polling stations.