Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, known for his outspoken nature, has sparked a storm on the internet with his latest social media post. In an unexpected turn, Swamy alleged Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan’s involvement in the release of eight navy veterans detained in Qatar over alleged espionage charges.
The revelation came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet regarding his upcoming visit to UAE and Qatar. While PM Modi celebrated India’s strong ties with both Gulf nations, Swamy made a startling claim about Shahrukh Khan’s role in securing the release of the navy veterans.
In his social media post, Swamy stated, “Modi should take Cinema star Shahrukh Khan to Qatar with him since after MEA and NSA had failed to persuade the Sheikhs of Qatar, Modi pleaded with Khan to intervene, and thus got an expensive settlement from the Qatar Sheikhs to free our Naval officers.”
Swamy’s post has ignited a flurry of reactions from netizens, with many dismissing it as political mudslinging. However, the onus now lies on the government to address the alleged involvement of the Bollywood icon and clarify any misconceptions.
India’s Diplomatic Triumph: Detained Navy Veterans Return Home from Qatar
Yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs announced the release and safe return of Indian Navy veterans detained by Qatari authorities on espionage charges. Of the eight released, seven have already returned to India, while the eighth is expected to join them soon after completing paperwork.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Reports indicate that neither the families nor the detainees were initially informed of their impending release, owing to the confidential nature of the proceedings. The swift developments saw all eight veterans instructed to pack their belongings and await departure the next day, following which they were escorted to the airport.
A source close to NDTV revealed that the developments unfolded swiftly. All eight Indian Navy veterans were instructed by their jailors the previous night to pack their belongings and await departure at approximately 9 am (local time) the next day. They were subsequently transferred to the Embassy and later escorted to the airport, where they boarded an IndiGo flight bound for Delhi.
MEA Expresses Gratitude to Qatar
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) promptly acknowledged the role of the Amir of Qatar in facilitating the return of the Indian nationals. In its statement, the MEA expressed gratitude for the Amir’s cooperation, affirming India’s appreciation for his pivotal role in ensuring the safe homecoming of these nationals.
The Ministry has consistently shared details of India’s efforts to secure the early release of the detained former navy personnel. Earlier, as the sentences of all personnel were commuted from death to life imprisonment, the MEA reiterated ongoing engagement with the families and legal representatives.
