On 2nd July 2007, Dr. Haneef Mohammad was arrested in Australia. He was detained for alleged links with terrorist group that masterminded blast in London airport. He is related to Kafeel Ahmad and Sabeel Ahmed and thus he was suspected to be involved in the terrorist activity. There were no evidence and without any charge he was detained for 25 days. His visa to visit Australia was canceled. The Australian Government, without any clear evidence, decided to detain him for 25 days and in a vindictive action, canceled his visa. This resulted in public outcry in India as well as in Australia where the public sentiments ran high.

On 27th July Dr. Haneef as released by Australia Government and Director of Public prosecutions withdrew the cases that were filed against him. However, the damage was already done to Dr. Haneef and India. The nation that is so against terrorism and is a witness to so many terrorists attack, could not bear the fact that a person with high qualification can be detained and that too without any charges! On the other hand, Austaralian PM has steadfastly refused to apologize to Dr. Haneef Mohammed.

Dr. Haneef, on the other hand, is patiently waiting for an apology from Australian Government as he has done no wrong, his family reputation is shattered. As an Indian, I feel, Australian Government should tender apology - this should show the world that even though it is perfectly ok to arrest some one without any charge, after acquittal, he should get back his dignity in tact.

If an Australian were arrested in India under similar circumstances, what would have been the Australian reaction?