Haneef's wife want to visit Mecca after his arrival

Bangalore July 27 (UNI) Ms Firdous Ashriya, wife of Indian Doctor Mohammed Haneef, who was freed of terrorism charges, want to visit Mecca after his arrival.

Talking to newsmen in her residence, the overwhelmed Firdous said that "I believed in Allah and now happy news was received and we want to go to Mecca to offer special thanks to almighty".

Mr Mohammed Haneef, who was one among those suspected in the July two failed bomb attack on the Glasgow International Airport was dropped of all charges by the Australian Police today.

Ms Firdous said that she expected her husband to return within next two to three days. "My cousin who went to Australia carrying newly born daughter's photo to show it to Haneef was informed by the Australian advocate that that my husband may be back here within next two or three days." she said.

Replying to a question, she said that her brother and father offered special prayer in a Mosque after receiving the news that police in Australia have decided to withdraw all charges hurled against Dr Haneef.

Dr Haneef's estranged wife while thanking both Australian Media and Public said that "without Media support both in India and Australia my husband would not have been released so soon".

Ms Firdous also thanked Indian External Affairs Ministry for extending all cooperation in helping the family during its days of hardships.

She said that all along she had been saying that her husband was innocent and would be released and now it was proved correct.

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." To a question, she said the Australian police had not contacted her since July two after Haneef's arrest.

She said that "all I want now is the homecoming of my husband on a regular visa. He should not be deported." Yielding to pressure from cameramen Ms Firdous gave a pose with her one month baby.

Meanwhile, her sister Summaiah Tabhasum, in her reaction, said that "We cannot express our happiness in words. We are eagerly waiting to his return." She thanked the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, government of India and Media for their support.

Twenty-seven-year-old Haneef had been charged with recklessly part his sim-card with a relative in Britain who was detained in London on the failed Glasgow International Airport blast.

Dr Haneef had been detained by Australian police on July two while on his way to India to see his newly-born daughter in Brisbane.

UNI