Indian couple's family held in Norway appeals for their release

Family of the Indian couple, who have been sentenced to 15 months in prison in Norway, today made an emotional plea to Norweigan government to release or deport the duo, citing the sufferings of their children.

Bhargava, brother of Anupama, also asked the Norweigian administration to let the children unite with their parents.

Addressing a press conference along with evangelist Dr K A Paul, he said "the kids are crying and suffering. They want to unite with their parents, I appeal to Norway to release or deport them on humanitarian grounds."

The Oslo district court had recently sentenced Chandrasekhar Vallabhaneni and his wife Anupama, to 18 months and 15 months jail term respectively on charges of gross or repeated maltreatment of their child/children by threats, violence or other wrong.

Bhargava said they are seeking to meet External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and seek his intervention in the matter.

Supporting the release of the couple, Paul asked the Norwegian government to pardon them.

"I am hoping they will not allow 18 long months, over 500 days separation to take place. Poor children are suffering and dying without parents, it is heartbreaking. As a Christmas and New Year gift, we request the Norwegian leadership to release (the couple)," said Paul.

Asked about the charges of maltreatment by the prosecution against the couple, Paul said "he did meet the child and there are some injuries on him" but didn't speculate on foul play by parents.

"Congress, BJP, TDP, TRS and leaders from other political parties will join me on December 15 (as part of my Christmas and New Year message to the world) and we are going to request and demand the immediate release of Anupama and Chandrasekhar. Norway is a great country known for peace and charity," said Paul.