In a significant development, seven former Indian Naval officers, who were awarded capital punishment in Qatar, have returned to India after receiving a pardon from Sheikh Thameem Bin Hamad Althani, the Ameer (ruler) of Qatar. The officers arrived in New Delhi on the morning of February 12, marking the end of a challenging period for them.
The seven officers who returned to India are Capt. Navtej Singh Gill, Capt. Sourabh Vasisht, Capt. Beerendrakukmar Varma, Cmdr. Sugunakar Pakala, Cmdr. Sanjeev Gupta, Cmdr. Amit Nagpal, and Ragesh Gopakumar. Cmdr. Poornendu Tivari is expected to reach India soon.
Ragesh Gopakumar, one of the released officers, reached his home in Nemam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on the night of February 12. The decision to release the Indian naval officers was made by Sheikh Thameem Bin Hamad Althani, the Ameer (ruler) of Qatar.
The officers had faced capital punishment in Qatar, and their return marks the successful diplomatic efforts and negotiations between India and Qatar. The release is seen as a positive outcome of the diplomatic channels engaged by the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Expressing gratitude and appreciation, the released officers praised the Modi government for its efforts in securing their release. The return of the naval officers has been welcomed as a significant relief for their families and the nation.
Ragesh Gopakumar, one of the seven former Indian Naval officers who recently returned home after facing capital punishment in Qatar, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their safe return. Gopakumar, who was the Communication Petty Officer in the Bharat Navy, spoke to the media from his home in Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram district, detailing the ordeal and expressing gratitude to those who played a role in securing their release.
According to Gopakumar, Union Minister V Muraleedharan visited his family during the challenging period of their imprisonment. He highlighted that once PM Modi took the initiative to solve the issue, they gained optimism and confidence that they would be able to come back home. Dr S Jayasankar, Minister for External Affairs, played a significant role in the release process, personally meeting the spouses of the victims, providing consolation, and instilling confidence.
Gopakumar emphasised that the country’s Ambassador to Qatar was a source of support during their imprisonment. He revealed that if it were not for PM Modi, their fate would have been different.
Several political leaders, including BJP Senior leader P.K. Krishnadas, BJP president K. Surendran, and Kerala Prabhari Prakash Javdekar, visited Gopakumar during the day. Gopakumar reportedly expressed his gratitude to PM Modi during these visits, reiterating that Modi’s involvement was instrumental in their release. Krishnadas described the release as a ‘Narendra victory.’
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of Bharat welcomed the decision of Sheikh Thameem Bin Hamad Althani, the Ameer of Qatar, to release the Indian naval officers. The development is considered a diplomatic victory for Bharat, and reports suggest that the matter was discussed during PM Modi’s meeting with the Qatar Ameer at the COP-28 High Level Conclave in Dubai in November-December 2023. National Security Advisor Ajith Dowel is reported to have played a crucial role in the discussions between the heads of both states.
The safe return of the naval officers highlights the importance of diplomatic channels and leadership in resolving international issues. The involvement of PM Modi and key officials from the Ministry of External Affairs has been acknowledged as pivotal in securing their release.
The details surrounding the initial capital punishment and the subsequent diplomatic efforts leading to their release are expected to be disclosed officially by the government in due course.
Here is the time sheet of the events:
- August 2022: Officers arrested.
- March 2023: Hearing before the court
- October 26, 2023: Qatar Court pronounced capital punishment
- Early November, 2023: Bharat submitted appeal for the release
- Late November 2023: Qatar Court admitted the appeal
- December 28, 2023: Capital punishment relaxed. Pronounced 25 years imprisonment.
The homecoming of Ragesh Gopakumar, one of the seven former Indian Naval officers released from imprisonment in Qatar, has brought immense joy and relief to his family and the people of Kerala. Gopakumar’s mother, his wife Chitra Ragesh, who is a government school teacher, and their 10th standard student daughter expressed their happiness without bounds.
Chitra Ragesh, while speaking to the media, conveyed her gratitude for the safe return of her husband. The family believes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and diplomatic prowess played a crucial role in securing the release of the naval officers. Chitra Ragesh emphasized that they owe their joy to Modi’s caliber and leadership qualities.
The sentiment is shared among the people of Kerala, cutting across political affiliations. Even opposition party members, during personal discussions, acknowledge Modi’s leadership in diplomacy. The positive outcome in securing the release of the naval officers is seen as a testament to Modi’s extensive foreign engagements, which had faced criticism earlier but are now vindicated.
The people of Kerala extend their best wishes to Ragesh Gopakumar and his family, and the successful resolution of this international issue adds to the list of instances where Modi’s leadership has made a significant impact on the global stage.
The release of the seven naval officers has been welcomed across the nation, and their safe return is seen as a testament to Bharat’s diplomatic prowess on the global stage.
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