New Delhi: India on Monday conveyed its concern to the Australian Government over its move to detain Indian doctor Mohammad Haneef by invoking immigration laws.
Haneef, who has been charged in connection with last month's failed car bombing attempt in Britain, was granted bail by a Brisbane court on Monday. But the Australian government subsequently cancelled his visa and invoked immigration laws to keep him behind bars.
Taking up the issue, the Ministry of External Affairs conveyed its concern to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and asked Canberra to treat him "fairly and justly" under the Australian law.
"Ministry of External Affairs expressed its concern to the Australian government that Dr Mohamed Haneef should be treated fairly and justly under Australian law," Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters in the capital. The comments came hours after the Australian government cancelled Haneef's visa.
India has also sought consular access to another doctor, Sabeel Ahmed, who has been held in Britain, but has not got it so far.
Sarna said the revocation of Haneef's visa has been done on the "grounds of failure in character test on account of association with someone else or with a group or organisation whom the Immigration Minister of Australia reasonably suspects has been or is involved in criminal conduct."
The High Commission in Canberra is helping Haneef's family in arranging legal assistance. Australian Police authorities have requested assistance in the case, the MEA spokesman said, adding that it will be "considered and decided upon in accordance with relevant provisions of Indian law."
The Indian High Commission in Canberra has exercised the "consular jurisdiction in the case, Sarna said adding that Haneef is in good health."
Haneef was detained on July 2 and was charged last Saturday with "recklessly" providing support to a terrorist organisation by giving mobile phone SIM card to British suspects Sabeel and Kafeel Ahmed in July 2006, before he moved to Australia.
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