Rescued Indian aid worker returns to India

New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) An Indian aid worker who was kidnapped in Afghanistan last month reached here on Saturday after being rescued.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup confirmed that Judith D'Souza landed in New Delhi on Saturday evening.

Hailing from Kolkata, Judith, 40, who works for the Aga Khan Network, was seized by gunmen on June 9 in the Qala-e-Fatullah area of Kabul while she was returning home after dinner at a friend's place.

On Saturday morning, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced that Judith was rescued in Afghanistan

"I am happy to inform you that Judith D'Souza has been rescued," Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

Appreciating Ambassador Manpreet Vohra for "an outstanding job", Swaraj said: "I have spoken to Judith. She is reaching Delhi this evening. Ambassador @VohraManpreet is accompanying her."

Swaraj thanked ambassador Vohra Manpreet and Afghanistan for the support.

In her tweet she added: "Thank you Afghanistan - for all your help and support in rescuing Judith."

Judith was working with the NGO as a senior technical adviser since July 2015.

Her family expressed gratitude following the news of her recovery.

"Judith has been rescued by the government. Our family's joy knows no bounds. Gratitude to @PMOIndia @SushmaSwaraj @VohraManpreet," Judith's brother Jerome tweeted.