Saudi Arabia frees detained Indian terror suspect

Saudi Arabian police have released Indian doctor Usman Ghani from 20-day detention after their investigation revealed he had no terror links as suspected earlier.

“I am grateful to the Saudi police for releasing my son Sunday and clearing him of charges that he had links with terror elements when he was in India four years ago,” Ghani’s mother Fathima Khan told IANS Wednesday.

Ghani, 36, who works at a military hospital in Riyadh, was picked up by the Saudi police from his home at the behest of the Indian government on the advice of Karnataka Police, Fahima alleged.

“My prayers have been answered by Allah! I want to profoundly thank the Saudi government, especially its embassy in New Delhi for conducting the inquiry expeditiously and finding that my son had no connection with terror suspects as alleged,” Fathima said.

Ghani went to the Saudi kingdom in late 2008 to join the National Guard hospital in Riyadh as an anaesthetist after working for over three years in Bangalore hospitals.

“It was heartening to speak to Ghani Monday after three weeks and to know that he is at home with his wife (Rashida). I am looking forward to meet them soon as I have applied for a Saudi visa,” Fathima said.

Before Ghani left for the Saudi kingdom, police summoned him after the questioning of some suspects picked up in Hubli, about 410 km from Bangalore, for allegedly planning a terror attack.

“Police had threatened Ghani of ruining his career if he did not cooperate with the state intelligence agencies. As there was no evidence of his involvement in any anti-national activity, he was cleared and allowed to go to Saudi Arabia,” Fathima said.

IANS