Indians freed in Togo set to return home

Five Indian nationals, who have been released after being put in jail four years ago in the West African nation of Togo on charges of piracy, are now set to return home, a senior official said on Thursday.

In his weekly media briefing here, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that the five Indians belong to Kerala and are Anthony Godwin, Navin Niravath Gopi, Tharun Babu, Nithin Babu and Shaji Abdulla Kutty.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted about their release on Wednesday.

Swarup said all the five, who had been in prison since 2013, "were released by a presidential pardon, on account of the persistent efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission in Accra (Ghana)".

"High Commissioner spoke to the Indian nationals after their release," he said. "They are in good health and are looking forward to re-unite with their families in India."

The spokesperson also said travel arrangements were being made to facilitate their return to India and the air tickets were being organised through the Indian Community Welfare Fund.

"Honorary Consul General of India in Lome is making stay arrangements till the necessary formalities for their departure to India are completed," he added.

--IANS

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