George very much with us, says Leila Kabir

Former defence minister and senior Janata Dal-United leader George Fernandes' wife on Saturday said there was 'no truth' in media reports that the veteran leader has gone missing.

There had been reports in a section of the media since Saturday morning that the former defence minister had gone missing.

His brothers Michael and Richard were also quoted as saying by certain television channels that all those who have known him since long should be allowed to meet him without any restriction.

When contacted, Fernandes' wife Leila Kabir told PTI that he was very much with her at her Panchsheel Park residence in New Delhi and undergoing treatment.

"George is very much with us at my house and is undergoing treatment for his ailment. There is no truth in the reports that he has gone missing and anybody who wants to talk to him can contact us," she said.

Kabir said she had brought the ailing leader to her house as the hospital, where he is undergoing treatment, is nearby.

Asked about George's brothers demand that his friends and associates should be allowed access to him, she said, "We have not stopped anybody from meeting him. In fact, a couple of days back his brother Paul had spoken to him on phone. But at the same time, I want to say that our privacy should also be respected as George needs proper care and treatment."

Fernandes, who has been suffering from Alzheimers, has been under the care of his estranged wife Leila Kabir and son Sean for the past two months.