Expressing solidarity with the family of Dr Haneef Mohammad, the Bangalore-based doctor detained in connection with the UK terror plot, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rushed Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed to call upon them in Bangalore on Friday.
Ahmed, who visited the family, listened to and consoled Haneef's wife who was said to be sobbing uncontrollably.
Firdous Arshiya explained at length the problems the family is facing and also pleaded with the minister to get her husband back to India.
She explained to him that Haneef was 'made a scapegoat and was innocent'.
The minister who met with the family at Hotel Windsor Sheraton in Bangalore told them that the government was with them and also said that the prime minister had spoken to his counterpart in Australia regarding this issue.
The minister also said that PM was moved by the images of Haneef in detention.
The minister who assured all support was told by the family members that Haneef was a reserved person and would not dream of being involved in a terror attack.
Assuring the family that the Australian government had promised a fair trial for Haneef, he clarified the Indian government had, however, not asked the Australian authorities to absolve Haneef of all the charges against him.
The minister is expected to submit a report in this regard to the PM following which the further course of action will be decided.
In Bangalore the minister was also briefed by the city police regarding the progress in the investigation.
Firdous said she was hopeful that the Indian government will bail her husband out of this crisis and said that all her relatives were praying everyday for Haneef's wellbeing.
