Family of kidnapped Indian in Libya appeals for safe release

The family of one of the four Indian men kidnapped in Libya has appealed to the governments of both India and Libya to ensure his safe and early release.

Family members of Gopikrishna were anxious since they came to know about the incident on Thursday. They, however, said they had no information whether the four were kidnapped by ISIS or some other group.

Relatives and friends of Gopikrishna gathered at their residence in Nacharam here after learning about the kidnapping.

Gopikrishna along with Balram of Andhra Pradesh and two others from Karnataka were returning to India via Tripoli and Tunis two days ago when they were stopped at a check point, 50 km from Sirte. Three, including him, were faculty members at the University of Sirte and one was working at the varsity's branch at Jufra.

Gopikrishna has been working as an assistant professor at University of Sirte since 2007. According to family members, he has been coming home on leave every year for 45 to 50 days.

Kalyani, wife of Gopikrishna, said he spoke to her on Wednesday over phone and informed that he is coming home via Tunis. He also told her not to worry as his mobile phone will be switched off during the two-and-half hour long journey from the university to Tripoli.

"There was no phone call from him after that and yesterday we came to know about this incident," she said.

"We came to know that they were stopped and taken into custody while car driver was sent back. We don't know what happened after that," a family member said.

The family members also contacted Indian embassy in Tripoli. The embassy officials told them that the issue will be sorted out in a day or two.