HYDERABAD: The Andhra government has granted Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the two persons from the state being held captive by the IS in Libya.
The relief was sanctioned at the instance of Union minister for external affairs Sushma Swaraj. Ramamurthy Kosanam and T Gopi Krishna were kidnapped last year. On July 29, 2015, four Indians were abducted while they were on their way to Sirte in Libya. While three of them were released later, T Gopi Krishna is still in captivity. Similarly, on September 8 last year, two Indians were abducted. One of them was released but Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam is still in the captivity of his abductors. In a letter to the state government, Sushma Swaraj said that while the ministry was making all efforts to secure their release in Libya, their families in India should get monetary relief as they are 'facing mental anxiety and financial difficulties'.
The collector of Srikakulam has been directed to disburse Rs 2 lakh to the family of Gopikrishna while the collector of West Godavari has been asked to sanction Rs 2 lakh to Kosanam's family.