NEW DELHI: The family of Commander Purnendu Tiwari, an 8th naval veteran, who continues to remain in Doha due to a travel ban, is urging the government to facilitate his return.
"As the country celebrates the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), I would like to urge the government to facilitate the return of Commander Tiwari, a 15th PBD awardee, who is facing a travel ban, despite being released by the Qatari Emir along with seven others 11 months ago," said Dr. Meetu Bhargava, the sister of Commander Tiwari.
Since Commander Tiwari and seven others were pardoned by Qatar’s Emir, his family has been reaching out to the government to help bring the 65-year-old naval veteran back to India.
The family has also refuted allegations of an impending financial fraud case against Tiwari.
"The Emir of Qatar pardoned all eight naval veterans, and while seven of them returned to India in February 2024, we urge the government to facilitate our brother’s return as well. His 86-year-old mother is eagerly awaiting his return," Bhargava added.
It may be recalled that the eight Indian naval veterans, who had been working for a company called Dhara in Doha, were arrested on August 29, 2022, and kept in solitary confinement, followed by a 17-month jail term.
Qatar's court initially announced a death sentence for all eight, which was later reversed, leading to their eventual release.
While seven of them have returned to India, there is still no clarity on when Commander Tiwari will be allowed to return.