Bangalore, July 17 (PTI): Moved by the travails and trauma of the family of Mohamad Haneef, charged in Australia for the failed terror attacks in Britain, their neighbours today offered prayers for his release and return home.

The women of the neighbourhood, their heads covered with cotton 'dupattas' and veils, sat huddled next to each other with their hands joined in prayer.

"We are unable to see the family going through such trauma," said a neighbour.

"The mother weeps inconsolably and it is quite understandable. How can a mother not weep over the plight of her son. We cannot do much except offer prayers for the family."

The women also read from the holy scriptures, narrating incidents related to Prophet Mohammed and talking about the values that every devout Muslim is expected to adhere to, another neighbour said.

The prayers, organised by one of the women for their own domestic well being, incorporated special prayers for Haneef. "We believe that god might listen to one of us and hence these prayers," she said.

This is not the first time prayers were offered for Haneef. Earlier, a special reading of chapters of the Quran was held for the purpose, she said.

Haneef's family earlier held a one-day prayer session for his release. The family had planned to hold a four-day prayer session but called it off due to the presence of reporters in the vicinity of their home, she said.

"If Haneef is released and comes home clean, we have decided to offer a huge thanksgiving prayer where we shall call everybody to pray," the woman said.