“We don’t discuss the issue with them but we support them”

“After they left I immediately went to Rheema’s house to ask if she needed any help or if there was anything I could do for them,” said Neda,adding that the past four years have been harrowing for the family. “Yesterday night was very difficult and today as I got back to work I couldn’t believe that I could actually do it. People say he has political links but are reticent,they hardly socialise and have no political friends whatsoever,” said Neda.

On whether this topic crops up often in their family,Neda said she and her husband refrain from discussing this topic with the Khans. “We have decided not to discuss this issue with them. Otherwise we are there with them through thick and thin because that’s what family is for,” said Neda,adding that she feels they are being framed. “Maybe someone is getting back at them. Maybe someone to whom they owed some money,“ she said.

According to her,at the moment what is concerning the family the most is Khan’s health that she describes as being very frail. She said the entire incident is affecting Ali’s six-year-old son. “He too went with them to Mumbai on Monday and I believe has been constantly crying. My brother-in-law has liver problems,acute diabetes and very high blood pressure.”