Third Indian doc in terror plot from Bangalore, one released

The third Indian doctor detained in the failed terrorist plots in London and Scotland was identified as a man from Bangalore and related to Dr Muhammed Haneef whose detention in police custody was extended for two more days in Australia.

The doctor taken into custody in Liverpool last Saturday was named as 26-year-old Sabeel Ahmed, who was also the classmate of Haneef in Ambedkar Medical College in Bangalore.

Ahmed's mother said in Bangalore that he was related to Haneef, who is being interrogated by the Australian police. Both Haneef and Ahmed had worked together in Halton hospital in Cheshire in 2005 and the latter is still working there.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said in Melbourne that it was important to remember that Haneef had not been charged.

"I must stress that the man has been detained, but has not been charged with any offence," he said.

Howard also said Britain was sending a top police officer to Australia to question Haneef.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said authorities were granted permission to hold Haneef for another 48 hours without charge and cautioned he may yet be fully cleared of any connection to the terror plots.

Mohammed Asif Ali, the second Indian doctor detained along with Haneef in Australia was released without any charge after being questioned.