Haneef expected home in 3 days

Bangalore, July 27: Freed of terrorism charges, Indian Doctor Mohammed Haneef, who was an accused in the July two failed bomb attack on the Glasgow International Airport, is expected to return home in about three days from Australia.

An elated wife of Dr Haneef, Firdous Ashriya, told newsmen at her residence in BTM Layout here, the doctor, earlier charged with wreckless support to his cousin in connection with the airport attack case, would proceed to Mecca to offer prayers.

''I believe in Allah'' Firdous said. She had all along maintained that her husband was innocent and would be released. Her father and brother joined the Friday prayers today to thank Allah.

The family members were elated and the relief was writ large on their faces. Firdous said ''I am excited and happy on hearing the information about the charges against Haneef being dropped.'' She thanked the Indian Government especially the External Affairs Ministry for playing a crucial role in securing freedom for her husband.

To a question, she said the family in no point of time, since July two, was contacted by the Australian Police.

She also had a word of praise for the Indian and Australian media and also the public in Australia for their relentless efforts in opposing the charges against her husband.

''All I want now is the homecoming of my husband on a regular visa. He should not be deported,'' she said.

Twenty-seven-year-old Haneef had been charged with recklessly supporting terrorism by providing a relative in Britain with his mobile phone SIM card.

He had been in jail since he was detained by police on July two from brisbane airport as he was about to fly to India.

UNI