Pic: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Sep 2: “I had purchased tablets from Udupi for my mother-in-law Tasleema who lives in Kuwait and I had given it to Shankar Poojary. Since he had left the medicine bills and doctor’s prescription letter that he was arrested,” said Mubharak, son-in-law of Tasleema here on Saturday, September 1.
Addressing a press meet here at press club Mubharak said, “Tasleema Fathima is my mother-in-law (Mubarak wife's mother). Shankar was known to my mother-in-law. Tasleema is working as house- keeping staff from many years in Kuwait. She is suffering from severe back pain and has undergone treatment. Shankar is working in a food production company in Kuwait.
“Tasleema requested me to send medicines with Shankar. He came to his hometown on ten days leave. I purchased medicines from a private medical shop. I had given all required doctor's prescription, medicines bill copy and other details along with medicines. But Shankar left all details except the medicine. That is why he was caught at Kuwait Airport and we got this news 20 days after he was arrested.
“Jyothi, wife of Shankar had lodged a complaint at Kundapur police station. I approached the police and have informed them the entire episode. Gopal, who is a neighbour of Shankar has approached Indian embassy. But we have not received any positive response. Even Kafeel (owner) is silent over the incident. I met Jyothi and spoke personally. I found medical bills’ copy at her house.
“Later we approached MP Shobha Karandlaje, Nalin Kumar Kateel and Minister Sushma Swaraj. I have made all efforts to release Shankar from police custody. But Jyothi has given false statement to the media over this case. I am at fault since I had given additional medicine which was not mentioned in the prescription letter. Even I do not know about drugs which are banned in Kuwait.
“Besides this, Rakshana Vedike president Ansar Ahmed called me and assured that he will help to release Shankar and in return he demanded Rs 1.5 lac. I have phone conversation recording of the same. He is spreading wrong messages against me on social media without knowing the fact. But we are still keeping quiet. I will lodge a complaint against Ansar soon,” he added.
He further said, “Shankar is not a convict in this case. We will continue our efforts in releasing Shankar. I am co-operating with police in all possible ways. Tasleema came to her hometown on January 2018 on four months leave for Bakrid. But she did not stay here for long time. Meanwhile, she had back pain and got admitted in a local private hospital for treatment. She left to Kuwait on April 30 and had carried medicine only for 10 days. I have all the details and evidence which are required.”
He urged the Indian Embassy to release him after verifying those details. He has also urged The Kafeel (owner of Shankar) to intervene in the case.
It may be recalled that Shankar Poojary, who was employed in Kuwait and was returning to work after visiting home, was caught by the authorities at the airport in Kuwait with a parcel of tablets containing banned substance three months back. This parcel was being carried by him at the instance of a woman who is also working in Kuwait.