Why has Qatar kept eight ex-Indian Navy officials in 'solitary confinement'?

New Delhi: Concerns are growing over the detention of eight former Indian Navy officials who have been detained by the intelligence agencies in Qatar. Last week, the Indian government sent high-ranking officials to Doha, Qatar's capital to secure the release of these Indian nationals. 

why has qatar kept eight ex-indian navy officials in 'solitary confinement'?© Provided by Times Now

“We are aware of the detention of eight Indian nationals who we understand were working for a private company in Qatar... We have requested another round of consular access and we are following up with Qatari authorities,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said earlier this week, while commenting on detention of Indians in Qatar. He further added that they have managed to get in touch with their families on a few occasions.

Over the weekend, several reports suggested that the Indian embassy in Doha was making all efforts to seek the relase of former Indian Navy officials who have been 'illegally detained'. 

Why has Qatar detained ex-Indian Navy officials?

According to local media reports, Doha has alleged that the ex-Indian Navy officials were 'spying for Israel', a charge the Indian government sources have rubbished. The detained Indian officials were reportedly working for a company called Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy owned by an Oman Air Force officer, and were reportedly engaged in training Qatar Navy. The team was residing in Qatar for the past five years, but were arrested from their homes in the middle of the night without prior notice.

The group reportedly revealed during their consular meeting that they have been kept in a solitary confinement since August 30. They were given consular access only on October 3. It was also revaled that they underwent 'extreme mental harassment'.

One of the detained persons is Commander Purnendu Tiwari, who is a President's medal winner. In a series of tweets, his sister Dr Meetu Bhargava made several pleas urging the Indian government to take necessary action and secure the release of these veterans. The other officers in detainment are Commander Navtej Singh Gill, Commander Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjay Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, Captain Saurab Vasisht and Ragesh Gopakumar.  

Why has Qatar kept eight ex-Indian Navy officials in 'solitary confinement'?© Provided by Times Now

"Eight #IndianNavy veterans who had served the motherland are in illegal custody/detention in Doha (Qatar) for 57 days as on date. Request & plead our Indian Govt to act fast & get all these distinguished officers repatriated to India without any further delays @narendramodi," she said.

The 'illegal detention' has invited anger from the Indian Navy community. Former Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash said that it was time to review IN-Qatari Navy relations and joint naval exercise 'Zair-al-Bahr'.

"Arbitrary solitary confinement of former Indian Navy officers, by Qatar, when “repatriation” would have sufficed, is inappropriate for a “friendly” neighbour. Perhaps time to review IN-Qatari Navy relations & joint naval exercise “Zair-al-Bahr.” - he said.

Reference: Times Now Digital -