As news channels run the ‘breaking news’ scroll, family members of T. Gopikrishna, who is held captive along with his colleague Ch. Balaram by Islamic State affiliate militia in Libya, gather nervously around the television set.
Seconds later, they go back to their regular chores as it brings no relief to their anxiety. Four days have passed and television continues to be the only medium for updates about the efforts of the Indian government in ensuring the release of Gopi and Balaram. “No government official has turned up at our house in the last three days to brief us about what is being done to secure their release. Neither has anyone called us over phone,” complains Murali Krishna’s brother, Gopikrishna.
On Monday, the families planned to meet Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Governor E S L Narsimhan - but they could not make it.
“We are planning to meet them on Tuesday. A local leader assured us of securing an appointment,” Badrinath, brother of Balram said.
