Haneef's detention extended

Muhammed Haneef, detained in the failed terrorist plot in the UK, was today allowed to talk to his wife in Bangalore for the first time since his arrest nine days back, while a court permitted the police to hold the Indian doctor without any charge for two more days.

The doctor's lawyer Peter Russo said Haneef reached his wife by telephone and "he was fairly elated that he got to make the call."

Rosso said Haneef was "relieved" to have spoken with his wife, Firdous, who recently gave birth to a baby.

Haneef's younger brother Sohaib told PTI in Bangalore: "We were able to speak to him for a just a minute."

"While speaking to his wife Firdous, Haneef said he was fine," he said.

"We now feel a little better that one of our family members was finally able to speak to him," Sohaib said.

A Brisbane magistrate gave police permission to hold Haneef without charge for another two days and adjourned till Friday a hearing in which his lawyers are demanding he be freed or charged. This is the third extension sought by the police.

The earlier order of the court allowed police to detain Haneef without charge only till this evening.

Haneef has been held without charge since he was detained on July 2.