Fate of two Indians kidnapped in Libya unknown

Hyderabad, Aug 1: The families of the two Indians kidnapped in Libya are worried over their safety as there is no information about their well-being.

Though two others hailing from Karnataka were released on Friday, there is still no official word about the two Telugu men reportedly in the captivity of the Islamic State.

Though Sridevi, a member of Balram Kishan's family received a SMS on Friday from one of those released that all are safe, the relatives are anxious as there has been no further information. Balram Kishan hails from Hyderabad.

The family of T. Gopikrishna, who is from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, also lives in Hyderabad.

The four Indians, all teachers at University of Sirte, were returning to India via Tripoli and Tunis on July 29 when they were detained at a check point, 50 km from Sirte.

Externals Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said late on Friday that two of them hailing from Karnataka were released. She had said efforts were on to secure the release of two others.

Gopikrishna has been teaching computer science at Jufra branch of the university since 2007 whereas Balram has been teaching English at the same university since 2011.

Kalyani, wife of Gopikrishna, said he spoke to her on Wednesday over phone and informed that he is coming home via Tunis. The couple has two children Jhanvi (10) and Eshwar (4).

Balram and Sridevi, a lecturer at a private college in Hyderabad, have two sons Vijaybhaskar (19), a B Tech student at IIT Kharagpur and Madhusudhan (12).

Andhra Pradesh's minister for NRI affairs Palle Raghunath Reddy said the state government was making efforts with the help of the Indian government and Libya to secure release of Gopikrishna.

He said efforts were also being made to contact the officials of Indian embassy in Tripoli.

IANS