Indians freed in Togo set to return home

New Delhi, Feb 2: Five Indian tiols, who have been released after being put in jail four years ago in the West African tion of Togo on charges of piracy, are now set to return home, a senior official said on Thursday.

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

Exterl 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 Exterl Affairs and our High Commission in Accra (Gha)”.

“High Commissioner spoke to the Indian tiols 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. (IANS)