The Cassation Court in Doha, Qatar’s highest judicial body, has rejected the bail application of Commander Purnendu Tiwari, the sole remaining detained former Indian Navy officer in a financial case. Family members express deep concern over his worsening health condition while in custody.
Family’s Urgent Appeal for Intervention
Meetu Bhargava, sister of the 65-year-old veteran, voices profound distress as her brother’s medical issues intensify behind bars. She renews calls for high-level diplomatic action from Indian authorities.
“With folded hands, I humbly request the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister to immediately intervene and bring my brother back to India without any further delay,” Bhargava states.
Bhargava challenges the rationale behind Tiwari’s ongoing imprisonment, citing repeated humanitarian considerations. “What is the Indian government or the MEA waiting for—for his condition to worsen further? It has been reiterated umpteen times that Commander Purnendu Tiwari, who suffers from severe medical ailments, should not have been put in jail as it is life-threatening for him,” she adds.
Tiwari has endured four years in Doha, including the past two months in jail. Bhargava alleges that the CEO of Dahra Global shifted full financial responsibility onto her brother. She further claims authorities coerced Tiwari into signing an admission of involvement during solitary confinement.
In an emotional plea, Bhargava emphasizes her brother’s innocence. She notes that an 87-year-old mother has awaited his return for over three-and-a-half years. Tiwari entered custody on December 1 and has remained in jail since December 6, despite multiple health complications.
Background of the Detention and Related Cases
Eight former Indian Navy personnel, including Tiwari, faced arrest in Doha in August 2022 amid an investigation. Qatari authorities imposed death sentences in 2023, without disclosing formal charges publicly. These rulings were later reversed, and the Amir of Qatar issued pardons to all eight.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally addressed the issue with Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, leading to diplomatic efforts that secured the release of seven veterans. They returned to India in February 2024.
“Eight Indian Navy veterans were arrested in 2022 on baseless spying charges. All eight were pardoned by the Amir of Qatar after Prime Minister Modi’s intervention. Yet only seven returned to India in February 2024. My brother was stopped despite being similarly placed and working with the same company, Dahra Global,” Bhargava explains.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Doha continue, with responses pending.
Tiwari’s Distinguished Naval Career
After retiring from the Indian Navy, Tiwari joined Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a firm offering training and support to the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. As a navigation expert, he commanded INS Magar and served as fleet navigating officer for the Eastern Fleet. His service also included Rajput-class destroyers.
In 2019, Tiwari received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the first such honor for an armed forces veteran, presented by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.
