Legislators urge K'taka Govt to extend help to Haneef

Bangalore, July 31 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council H K Patil today urged the State Government to bear the legal expenses of freed Indian Doctor Mohammed Haneef, absolved of terrorism linked charges by the Australian Government.

Making his submission during Zero Hour in the Council, he said ''as a gesture of goodwill, the State Government should take the burden off Dr Haneef, who had to undergo 25 traumatic days of police custody in Australia and spend a big amount for hiring legal experts.'' The Congress leader said the doctor was humiliated and harassed by the Australian authorities by implicating him in terrorist linked activities. ''It will be appropriate if the State Government comes to the aid of Dr Haneef and his family members,'' he said.

Replying, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy informed the House that he had met Dr Haneef and his family members and consoled them regarding the ordeal he had faced in Australia. ''I have also promised to extend all kinds of help to Dr Haneef,'' he said.

Intervening, House Chairman Prof B K Chandrashekhar said that in securing justice to Dr Haneef, various human rights organisations had contributed and they deserved applause.

Earlier, Congress member A M Hindasageri, making a submission, charged that by harassing an innocent Indian doctor, the Australian Government had brought bad name to India and its citizens. The injustice meted out to the Indian doctor should be condemned, he said.

House leader and Higher Education Minister D H Shankaramurthy criticised the Australian authorities for harassing Dr Haneef.

UNI