Our only hope is PM Modi, say families of ex-Navy staff

 Visakhapatnam: Retired Indian Navy commander Sugunakar's brother-in-law Kalyan Chakravorty said their only hope now is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sugunakar is among the eight ex-Navy personnel whom a Qatari court has sentenced to death for espionage.

Speaking to the media, his family members expressed confidence that the government of Qatar will release the naval personnel immediately if Narendra Modi takes initiative in the case.

Ministry of External Affairs has expressed shock over the sentencing. It said it is awaiting the detailed judgement in the matter.

Sugunakar's family says accusation of espionage in Qatar is misinformation. The ex-commodore’s brother-in-law told media that Sugunakar, who served in the Indian Navy till 2013, had gone to Doha in 2018 for earning his livelihood. He had been arrested 14 months ago.

A Qatar court sentenced Sugunakar and seven others to death on Thursday.

Family members of Sugunakar have urged the Prime Minister to immediately intervene in the matter.