Balaram Kishan's kin relieved after news of his release

HYDERABAD: The family members of professor Balaram Kishan, who was among the two faculty members held captive in Libya for over a year, heaved a sigh of relief today after getting the news about their rescue.

"We were informed around midnight by the MEA, Libyan government officials and others that he (Balaram) has been rescued along with Gopalakrishna. My husband also spoke to me this morning...It (conversation) was only a few seconds...he enquired about our children and me and other family members," Kishan's wife Sridevi told PTI.

The two Indians, who were teaching at Libya's Sirte University, were abducted by Islamic State militants in July last year.

"Entire family is happy that he has been rescued and out of danger...I heard my husband's voice after more than a year...It's God's grace," Sridevi said here.

Balaram's family, which resides in Secunderabad and were anxiously waiting for the safe return of their loved one, said, "We were worried a lot and now are happy that he is safe and are waiting for his return to Hyderabad."

"...now I am 100 per cent relieved. We are waiting for more updates on when he is likely to fly back to India and come to Hyderabad," Sridevi added.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted "I am happy to inform that T Gopalakrishna (AP) & C BalaramKishan (Telangana) who were captive in Libya since 29 July, 2015 have been rescued."