Indian held in Spain for terror gets to make his first phone call home

Although 14 were rounded up, four persons, including another Indian, Sarosh Ali, were released later. After a Barcelona judge ordered their 8220;unconditional imprisonment8221;, the ten were moved to Madrid for further investigation.

After several attempts by the Maharashtra government and Ministry of External Affairs, Khan was allowed to make a phone call to his family by Spanish authorities 8212; his wife had met the Spanish consul general in Mumbai last month.

Farida said her husband called at 8.15 pm Monday. 8220;His first words were mein bekasoor hoonI am innocent. The fact that I could just hear his voice for four minutes or so was enough. He is there and able to talk to me. That is the biggest relief for me and my children. He said if Allah is willing, he will be free soon,8221; she said.

8220;He said he hadn8217;t faced any big problem in Spain but he was worried because he was made to sign some blank papers. That has him disturbed. But he hopes to come back home soon. He spoke to the children and asked them about their exams,8221; Farida said.

Farida8217;s brother Amanullah, who is following the case in Barcelona, told The Indian Express that Khan is expected to be produced in court in about two weeks.