In a surprising turn of events, the external affairs ministry announced early on Monday that the eight men had been released on the orders of the emir of Qatar, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough for New Delhi. All but one of the former naval personnel returned home on Monday, and their release ended widespread speculation about their fate following their detention.
Speaking to the media after reaching Delhi, one of the veterans said, "We are very happy that we are back in India, safely. Definitely, we would like to thank PM Modi, as this was only possible because of his personal intervention."
In December last year, Qatar's Court of Appeal commuted the death sentences awarded to the men -Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma and Sugunakar Pakala, and sailor Ragesh and sentenced them to prison for varying durations ranging from three years to 25 years.
The Court of Appeal also gave the eight men 60 days to appeal against the prison terms, but in a surprise development, the external affairs ministry announced they had been released, and that seven of them had returned home.
"The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India," the ministry said in a brief statement.
"We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals," the statement said without giving details.
Hours after the announcement, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra told a media briefing that Modi will visit Qatar on February 14 after a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He also said such trips are finalised months in advance, downplaying suggestions the visit was linked to the case of the eight men.
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times dergisinin February 13, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times dergisinin February 13, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Making A Miracle: How Team India Rewrote The Script In The First Test
His team had just been bowled out for 150 on Day 1 of the first Test of the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy but, in the dressing room, skipper Jasprit Bumrah was calmness personified.
NBCC India plans to acquire sick PSUs, redevelop land banks
NBCC India Ltd has set its sights on acquiring defunct public sector undertakings (PSUs) to redevelop and monetise their land, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter, as the state-run construction company seeks to leverage success in developing land for some government-owned companies.
T’gana rejects Adani’s 2100-cr donation
Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday announced that the state government will not accept the 100 crore CSR donation pledged by the Adani Group for the Young India Skills University being set up in Ranga Reddy district on the outskirts of Hyderabad, in the wake of \"present circumstances and arising controversies\".
6,000 kg drugs seized from vessel, 6 arrested
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized a vessel and arrested six Myanmarese nationals carrying 6,000 kg of contraband Methamphetamine near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an official said.
SC SEEKS STEPS TO STOP DISPOSAL OF WASTE IN YAMUNA ALONG TAJ MAHAL
The Supreme Court on Monday directed Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to take immediate steps to prevent disposal of waste into portion of Yamuna flowing past Taj Mahal as the court set a deadline of one month for the authorities to act on the untapped and partially tapped drains emptying their untreated contents into the river.
THE WIZARDS OF PERTH
With odds stacked against them after a 3-0 home series loss to NZ, India pull off a stunning win in Perth
'Lucky to have Aishwarya at home with Aaradhya,' says Abhishek amid divorce rumors
Amid swirling rumors of a divorce, Abhishek Bachchan has seemingly broken his silence about his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and their daughter, Aaradhya.
Indian pacers hog limelight on Day 2 of auction
Compared to the action-packed proceedings of the opening days when marquee names are up for grabs at IPL auctions with the teams having a big purse to splurge, the second day is usually low key with the interest mainly on who will be the next unknown name to hit the jackpot.
RTM, a point of difference in bidding battles
The IPL auction is a one-of-a-kind mass entertainer, running successfully for 17 years.
Ding shows steel, catches Gukesh by surprise to win opening game
Indian teenager, playing with White, resigns after 42 moves as the Chinese current champion strikes first in the 14-game match
