New Delhi: The government has decided to file a mercy petition on behalf of the family members of two men from Tamil Nadu who were awarded death penalty by Qatar’s Supreme Court for allegedly murdering a woman four years ago.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who had sought a report about the case from the Indian envoy in Qatar two days ago, on Monday said the embassy has requested the Tamil Nadu government to help in filing mercy plea for Alagappa Subramaniam and Chelladurai Perumal.

“I have received report from Qatar regarding death sentence for Alagappa Subramaniam and Chelladurai Perumal, both from Tamil Nadu. We have to file mercy petition on behalf of their family members. Our Embassy has requested Govt of Tamil Nadu in this regard,” Ms Swaraj tweeted.

According to news agency reports, the court in Qatar recently had rejected a plea by the Indian embassy to overturn the death penalty awarded to the duo, both in their 40s, but commuted the life term awarded to third accused Sivakumar Arasan to 15 years’ jail term. While Subramaniam hails from Villupuram, Perumal is a resident of Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Ms Swaraj said that the government was working to secure release of 41 Indian sailors stuck in merchant ships at Ajman in United Arab Emirates. She also said the Indian embassy in UAE has been directed to ensure that the sailors get essential supplies, adding efforts are on for their release.

As per reports, the 41 Indian sailors employed in four merchant ships in the UAE were stranded in four abandoned merchant ships at Ajman anchorage in UAE and that two of the vessels are leaking and faces the danger of sinking.

The owner of the company has allegedly abandoned the sailors who are now struggling for survival.

"We have contacted the Captains of the two vessels, Ship owners, port authorities and the Government. They have essential supplies for next two weeks. We are helping in the settlement of their dues and release of the crew.

"I have asked the mission to ensure that Indian sailors do not suffer for want of essential supplies," Swaraj tweeted.