Shahrukh khan played no role in rescue of former navy officials
In a significant turn of events that captured the attention of the entire nation, a momentous diplomatic triumph unfolded as eight former Indian navy officials, previously apprehended in Qatar on charges of espionage were released. This development held immense significance for India, given that one of the accused had been implicated in spying for Israel, a nation perceived as hostile by Qatar. Adding complexity to the geopolitical backdrop, Qatar maintains a delicate balance by supporting Hamas and nurturing amicable ties with the United States, exerting substantial influence through media control and strategic liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
Despite this pivotal achievement, a faction within India, comprised of individuals leaning towards leftist ideologies and those in opposition, exhibited a proclivity to downplay national successes. In this particular instance, BJP leader who turned vocal critic of the central leadership, Subramanian Swamy, asserted that Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan played a role in facilitating the release of the eight ex-Indian navy officials. Known for his penchant for making controversial statements, Swamy’s claim sought to divert credit from New Delhi’s decisive actions. The left-leaning faction seized upon Swamy’s assertion, disseminating it widely on social media platforms.
Numerous tweets have surfaced, purporting that Bollywood figure Shahrukh Khan assisted the Indian government in securing the release of eight navy officials. (Team Saath, Lallanpost, Mahua Moitra Fans, Amock, Rakesh Ranjan, Aparna Agrawal, Changing India, Murti Nain, Rimsha Fatima, Surya Samajwadi)
Commencing our inquiry, we initiated a thorough Google search using pertinent keywords related to the subject at hand. Our investigation unveiled tweets from multiple journalists who shared the official statement issued by Shahrukh Khan’s office. In this statement, the Bollywood figure categorically clarified that he played no part in the release of the eight navy officials detained in Qatar on charges of espionage.
The statement said, ‘Shah Rukh Khan says that any such assertions of his involvement are unfounded, emphasizing the execution solely rests with the Indian government officials. Additionally, all matters involving diplomacy and statecraft are best executed by able leaders.’
In a detailed chronicle of events, News 18 outlined the unwavering efforts of the Indian government that led to the liberation of the former navy officials:
August 30, 2022: Eight ex-Navy officials were apprehended in Qatar under unclear circumstances, placed in solitary confinement, with reports indicating accusations of spying by Qatar’s intelligence agency.
October 1-3, 2022: The Indian Ambassador in Doha and Deputy Head of Mission engaged with the detained Navy personnel. Simultaneously, efforts by Dahra Global’s CEO to assist resulted in his own arrest, enduring two months in solitary confinement before being released on bail.
March 1, 2023: Multiple bail pleas for the veterans were denied in Qatar.
March 25, 2023: Charges were officially filed against the eight individuals, and the trial commenced on March 29, adhering to Qatari law.
May 2023: Dahra Global ceased operations in Doha, prompting the return of its former predominantly Indian employees to their home country.
August 4, 2023: The detained individuals were transferred from solitary confinement to a jail ward.
October 26, 2023: A court in Qatar pronounced a death sentence for all eight men.
November 9, 2023: Indian authorities disclosed filing an appeal in Qatar, contesting the release and death penalty of the eight ex-Navy personnel.
November 23, 2023: The Qatar court acknowledged India’s appeal against the death penalty.
December 1, 2023: PM Modi met with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Dubai.
December 28, 2023: The Qatar court reversed the death sentence previously imposed on the eight Indian Navy veterans.
February 12, 2024: The Government of India officially announced the release of all eight former naval officers, expressing gratitude to Qatar Amir for facilitating their liberation. Subsequently, seven of the eight veterans returned to India.
In conclusion, the meticulously detailed timeline presented by News 18 underscores the steadfast efforts undertaken by the Indian government to secure the release of the former navy officials detained in Qatar. The exhaustive diplomatic manoeuvres, legal appeals, and strategic engagements with Qatari authorities culminated in the triumphant announcement on February 12, 2024, heralding the return of seven out of the eight veterans to India. Importantly, amidst the intricate web of events, it becomes evident that Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan had no role in the release, as clarified by his official statement.
| Claim | Shahrukh Khan helped the Indian government secure the release of former navy officials arrested in Qatar on espionage charges. |
| Claimed by | Subramanian Swamy and others |
| Fact Check | Fake |
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