Haneef's entry into his house too was not a smooth affair and he had to face a huge crowd before he got into the house. Once home, he headed straight to the sofa where he pulled out a sheet of paper and read out a statement.
Surrounded by his father in law Ashwaq and relative Imran and others, Haneef said, "I am thankful to the governments of India and Australia. I am very excited to be back home and thank God for all the mercy he has shown me. I also want to thank the press and all my supporters across the globe who stood by me in these trying times."
Relatives who later went into his room along with Haneef said there were very emotional moments when he got to see his wife and child. Haneef had tears in his eyes and his wife too was crying. He said seeing his child was the most wonderful moment of his life.
Haneef had termed his new-born child an angel and said she was his lucky mascot.
Haneef's house wore a festive look and the entire neighbourhood had turned up to welcome the local boy who most of them termed as a hero. There were banners outside his house in praise of Russo and Imran. While one banner read 'Great Russo Great,' the other stated, 'You did it Imran.' The third was simple in its message: 'Welcome back'.
The moment Haneef walked into the house, some of his relatives who were standing on the balcony threw flowers on him while others garlanded him. Haneef's wife had cooked his favourite dish, biryani.
A lot of Haneef's relatives and friends had to go back disappointed after the police stopped allowing people into the house due to the commotion.
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