Pursue Haneef's case through legal, diplomatic means: Ahamed

Bangalore, July 21 (UNI) Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed today said India would pursue the case of Dr Mohammed Haneef, detained in Australia in connection with the failed Glasgow airport attack, through legal and diplomatic means and there was no need to think about political initiatives.

The Centre had taken the issue very seriously and had extended all help to Dr Haneef and his family, he said, speaking on the sidelines of a function at the Regional Passport Office here.

''Yesterday, an MEA officer met Dr Haneef in the detention centre and the Indian doctor is in good health,'' the Minister said, adding that Consular access had been granted to Dr Haneef for the second time yesterday.

Dr Haneef said he was sad about the turn of events and the action taken by the Australian Government, Mr Ahamed said.

On the Australian Federal police seeking help from the Indian investigating agencies, he said it would become a legal matter.

''If they want to find out something about Dr Haneef, they will have to come to India to ascertain the facts,'' he said.

''We will have to say to what extent we can ascertain the facts and have to be careful in this matter,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Imran Siddiqui, a cousin of Dr Haneef's wife Firdous Arshiya, left the city for Australia to act as a communicator between Dr Haneef's family and his lawyer.

UNI