Shah Rukh Khan has dismissed claims of his role in the release of eight Indian Navy veterans detained in Qatar. These former Navy personnel were held on espionage charges, with Shah Rukh facing speculation due to his recent visit to the Middle East nation. In a statement issued by his manager, Pooja Dadlani, Shah Rukh clarified that the successful resolution of the matter rested solely with Indian government officials. 

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In December 2023, the Court of Appeal in Qatar decided to commute the death penalty imposed on eight retired Indian Navy personnel. The individuals had been imprisoned since October 2022, accused of spying on the nation concerning a submarine program. The details of the charges leading to the death penalty were unknown. However, the Qatari court’s decision was overturned, leading to their release. On February 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that seven out of the eight former Navy officers had returned to India, marking the successful resolution of their plight.

Source: iDreamPost English

Shah Rukh Khan had recently been in Qatar for work-related commitments. During his stay, he met with Qatar’s Prime Minister, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in Doha. Additionally, he served as the special guest of honor at the AFC final. While his visit coincided with the release of the Indian Navy veterans, Shah Rukh Khan denied any involvement in their freedom.

Source: India Today

In response to circulating reports connecting him to the release of the naval officers, Shah Rukh Khan’s manager, Pooja Dadlani, issued a statement on behalf of the actor. The statement denied Shah Rukh’s participation in the matter, attributing the success of the resolution solely to the efforts of Indian government officials. The statement read, “Regarding the reports concerning Shah Rukh Khan’s purported role in the release of India’s naval officers from Qatar, the office of Mr. Shah Rukh Khan says that any such assertions of his involvement are unfounded.”

The statement further stressed that Mr. Khan, like many other Indians, is pleased that the naval officers are now safely back home and wished them the best.