Was Haneef a victim of conspiracy for political gains?

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 18.06.2008 (IANS): Was Indian doctor Muhammad Haneef a victim of conspiracy for political gains? Documents obtained by Haneef’s legal team under Freedom of Information laws indicate that the then prime minister’s office became involved in the case within 48 hours of Haneef’s arrest in connection with the botched British bombings July 2, 2007.

Documents reveal officers from the then prime minister John Howard’s office and cabinet met with counterparts from the immigration and foreign affairs departments to discuss options for handling Haneef’s case July 4.

The former Gold Coast registrar was arrested at Brisbane airport on the night of July 2, just before boarding a flight to India.

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India, Australia discuss safety of Indian taxi drivers

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 30.05.2008 (IANS): Indian and South Australian state authorities met in Adelaide Thursday and agreed to put in place a framework for continued dialogue on issues pertaining to safety and security of taxi drivers in the state following recent attacks on Indian cabbies.

Sujan Chinoy, the Indian consul general in Sydney, held meetings with Hieu Van Le, the lieutenant governor of South Australia and chairman of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, and representatives from the Transport and Police Departments, Taxi Council of South Australia, taxi companies, Indian taxi drivers and the Indian community.

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Attacks on Indian cabbies: mission to raise issue with Australia

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 27.05.2008 (IANS): Concerned at recent attacks on Indian cabbies, mostly students, the Indian envoy in Australia is keeping a “close watch” on the situation and has taken up the matter with authorities here who have assured they will resolve the issue.

“The attacks on Indian cab drivers are causing a great deal of concern, not only among students and their families, but the larger Indian community in Australia. We are keeping a very close watch on the situation both in Melbourne and Adelaide,” Indian High Commissioner in Canberra Sujatha Singh told IANS Monday.

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