In a bid to challenge the death penalty imposed on eight former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar, the Indian government has filed an appeal with the Qatari authorities. The individuals were arrested in August last year under mysterious circumstances and were sentenced last month. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, confirmed that Delhi had already filed an appeal and expressed shock at the verdict.

During a scheduled press briefing, Bagchi stated that detailed information regarding the case remained confidential and was only shared with the legal team. He further emphasized that the Indian government was providing constant support to the families of the eight Naval officers. The families had previously met the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in Delhi, and the government intends to extend all possible legal and consular assistance to them.

Frequent consular access to the eight individuals was provided until Tuesday, according to Bagchi. The group consists of highly decorated naval officers, including individuals who commanded major warships in the Indian Navy. At the time of their arrest, they were employed by Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services.

The exact reason behind their arrest remains unknown. However, media reports have speculated that the personnel were involved in a sensitive project related to stealth submarines based on Italian technology. Some reports have gone so far as to suggest that they were accused of spying for Israel, though the families of the accused strongly deny these allegations.

The sentenced individuals include Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, Saurabh Vasisht, Amit Nagpal, Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, and Sanjeev Gupta. Navtej Singh Gill, Birendra Kumar Verma, and Saurabh Vasisht held the rank of Captain, while Amit Nagpal, Purnendu Tiwari, Sugunakar Pakala, and Sanjeev Gupta retired as Commanders. The trial commenced on March 29 after their bail pleas were rejected.

The families of the eight Navy veterans are resolute in their assertion that the accusations of espionage are baseless. In a recent interview with NDTV, they stated that their loved ones were in Qatar to contribute to the development of the country's security forces and had no involvement in spying activities.

Two days prior to that, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the families to express solidarity and assure them of the government's commitment to the case. The families' pain and concerns were acknowledged by Jaishankar, who stressed that the Indian government attaches the highest importance to resolving the matter.

As India appeals against the death penalty for its former Navy personnel in Qatar, the focus is now on the legal proceedings and the effort to secure justice for the accused individuals. The case has garnered nationwide attention and highlights the significance of diplomatic efforts to protect the rights of Indian citizens abroad.

Title: India Files Appeal Over Death Penalty of Eight Former Navy Personnel in Qatar