Haneef expected to be home in three days, family elated

Bangalore July 27 (UNI) Freed from charges against him Indian Doctor Mohammed Haneef is expected to return home in about three days.

An elated wife of Dr Haneef Firdous Ashriya told newsmen in front of her residence in BTM Layout here the doctor, who was earlier charged with wreckless support he had extended to his cousin in connection with the failed Glasgow international airport attack on July two, would proceed to Mecca to offer prayers.

''I believed 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 in their face. Firdous said ''I am excited and happy on hearing the information about the charges against Haneef being dropped''. She thanked the Indian Government for its support, especially the External Affairs Ministry for playing a crucial role in freeing her husband.

Replying 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 media both in India and Austraia and also the public in Australia for their relentless efforts in opposing the charges against her husband.

"All I want now is the arrival home of my husband on a regular visa and he should not be deported" she said.

27-year-old Dr Haneef had been charged with recklessly supporting terrorism by providing a relative in Britain with his mobile phone SIM card. He has been in jail since he was detained by police on July 2 as he was about to leave Australia for India.

UNI