Freed professors return from Libya
Captives told not to reveal anything
After around two years, including 13-and-half months in terror captivity in Libya, two Telugu professors C. Balram Krishna and T.V. Gopikrishna, came back to their families early on Saturday morning.
They were handed over to their relieved families by MEA officials amid tight security with strict instructions not to reveal any details about their rescue.
After landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Friday morning, they were taken to the MEA office, where they briefed officials in details about how they were abducted, their detention and rescue till they were handed over to the Indian Embassy in Libya. They flew to Hyderabad from New Delhi and reached home in the early hours of Saturday.
Balram’s wife Sreedevi said despite all efforts from her family, and the state and Central governments, it was purely God’s grace that brought Balram back home safely.
“Every day was a nightmare. I had just two priorities till today. One was my husband’s safe return and the next my children’s education. My family and in-laws stood with me all these days and helped me. In one word, today is ‘rebirth day’ for all four of us, she said with tears rolling down her eyes.
Balram said he was enjoying every single moment of being with his family now and needed some time to get over the joy of returning home.
Meanwhile, at Gopi’s home, it was more than celebration. His daughter Jahnavi said she had a two-day holiday at school, but she wanted to see her dad back home before she goes to school on Monday.
“I was sleeping when I heard some noise. On waking up, my dad was in front of me. It is really unbelievable after two years of waiting,” Jahnavi said. Gopi’s elder brother Muralikrishna said all efforts and God’s grace paid off at the right time. His wife Kalyani said they were in tears the moment they saw him and cried for nearly an hour.
Relatives, friends, neighbours and even local leaders and government officials came to their houses during the day to meet and congratulate them.