On October 26, the Qatari court announced the death penalty to former 8 Indian Navy officials.

The eight naval veterans are 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.

“We couldn’t come to terms with what we heard as my brother, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, who happens to be a decorated naval veteran has done no wrong and is innocent. We plead to our Prime Minister to intervene and bring back our officers,’’ sister of Commander Tiwari, Dr Meetu Bhargava, told The New Indian Express adding that it had been a painful 14 months since they were arrested by Qatar over unsubstantiated charges.

Commander Tiwari (63) is failing in health and has been facing mental health issues.

As per a report by The New Indian Express, the family members of these eight veterans have now come out in the open and are seeking the support of the government and people to help get the officers repatriated. A signature campaign has been initiated by a family member of one of the offcials.

“The lack of transparency and due process in this case is deeply concerning as it undermines faith in legal systems globally. This petition aims to bring attention to this grave issue and seeks justice for these individuals who have served their country honourably. We urge people to sign this petition and support our cause for justice, fairness and respect for human rights,’’ said Vikas Nagpal, who has initiated the signature campaign.