I want to study options available before going back: Dr Haneef

Bangalore, Jan 4 (UNI) Dr Mohammad Haneef, the Indian doctor arrested by the Australian Federal police on charges of alleged terror links last year, today said he wanted to go back to Australia but would study the options available to him before taking a final decision.

Dr Haneef, who returned here today from Jeddah after the Haj pilgrimage, said he now had options that he would evaluate before deciding to go back to Australia.

''I will think when to go back to Australia as at present I have three options and going back is only one of them. Now I have a job offer in the Middle East and I can also think of pursuing my Master's Degree in Medicine in Bangalore. When I can return to Australia will also depend on how safe my family will be once I go back and whether Gold Coast Hospital would give my job back,'' he told UNI at his father-in-law's BTM layout residence here.

Dr Haneef said he had not received any communication, either from the Australian Government or from the hospital.

''So far I have not heard anything from the Australian Government or from my hospital. I don't know whether the hospital would offer me the job again. But I am sure they would be willing to use my services,'' he added.

The head shaven young doctor said he expected that the Australian Goverment would compensate him, for its police 'framing' for alleged terror links without sufficient evidence.

''Yes I want the Government (Australia) to compensate for all the trouble I took for no fault of mine. I want the Australian Government to ensure the safety of my family and see that no road block is put while I work in Australia once I go back. More importantly, I would like the Government to hold an open inquiry if it still wanted to pursue my case further. There should be assurance that we are not harassed in any way,'' he added.

He expressed happiness over the verdict of the full Bench of the Federal Court which last month upheld a judge's earlier decision to reinstate his visa which was revoked by the Australian Government before he was sent back.

Dr Haneef, who was working as a doctor in Gold Coast Hospital in Brisbane, was arrested on July 2 last year and charged 12 days later. He had to spend nearly a month in custody of the Australian police after he was framed of aiding terror acts.

His sim card had been, left back in UK before he came to Australia following, which he was linked to the failed Glasgow airport attack on June 30. The charges were dropped a fortnight later.

UNI RS MSP GKT MSJ RN2253