New Delhi, 2 January. Dr Meetu Bhargava, sister of retired Indian Navy Commander Poornendu Tiwari, has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention in her brother’s case. She has also reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting immediate diplomatic action.
Commander Poornendu Tiwari, a resident of Gwalior, is one of eight former Navy officers who were granted pardon by the Emir of Qatar nearly two years ago. Despite this, he remains imprisoned in Doha due to a fresh legal complication. Concerns are growing over his health and the progress of India’s diplomatic efforts.
The 65-year-old retired commander was arrested in August 2022 while working for a private firm in Qatar on charges of espionage. Initially sentenced to death, the Qatar Court of Appeal in December 2023 commuted his sentence to imprisonment and allowed 60 days to file an appeal.
In February 2024, seven officers returned to India after receiving royal pardons. Dr Bhargava credited Prime Minister Modi’s personal involvement for their release. However, Tiwari remained in Qatar due to travel restrictions linked to financial irregularities involving the company he worked for, Dahra Global Technologies.
On 30 December, Dr Bhargava posted on the social media platform X that Tiwari was dragged into a separate case unrelated to the original charges. He was sentenced to six years for criminal conspiracy and money laundering. He has been in jail for over a month, enduring this despite his distinguished service and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awarded by the President of India.
Dr Bhargava accused the Ministry of External Affairs of inaction, alleging, “They released him without properly reviewing the case details, which has increased his suffering.”
Reports indicate Commander Tiwari’s health has severely deteriorated due to prolonged solitary confinement. He is suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), putting his life at risk.
She further stated on X, “It is strange that despite such injustice to an honoured retired naval officer, India’s naval leadership has not initiated clear action to secure Commander Poornendu Tiwari’s release from Doha jail.”
–
KK/DSC
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment