Indian detainee alleges US torture

Mr Khan's mother says her son will take time to heal [photo: PTI]

An Indian man arrested in the US after the 11 September 2001 attacks, has complained of "torture of the worst kind" during his 15 months' detention.

Ayub Ali Khan - also known as Gul Mohammed Shah - has returned to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad following his release by US authorities.

Ayub Ali Khan faces more charges at home

Talking to the BBC in Hyderabad, Mr Khan said the Americans had inflicted "serious torture" on him at a Brooklyn detention centre.

US authorities have not been available for comment.

Mr Khan and a friend, Azmath Javed, were arrested on 12 September 2001 when they were found carrying knives similar to those believed to have been used by the hijackers.

They were eventually cleared of any involvement in terrorism, but were charged and convicted of credit card fraud. Mr Khan has been deported but his friend is still in the US.

Mr Khan told the BBC he was subjected to what he called some of the worst physical and psychological torture.

He said he and his friend were kept in separate cells and "grilled" about their links with suspected militants.

He also alleges that guards prevented him from sleeping by constantly hammering on his cell door.

Mr Khan said he was also initially denied access to a lawyer.

After being cleared three months later by US investigators, they were kept in detention charged with credit card fraud.

Free on bail

Mr Khan said his lawyer advised him to plead guilty.

He and Mr Javed were given 12 and nine-month sentences respectively which included some of their time already spent in custody.

Mr Khan told the BBC he wanted to pick up the threads of his life again.

But relatives, including his mother, have said he carries the signs of torture which will take time to heal.

Mr Khan also faces fresh accusations at home.

Police in Hyderabad have charged him with obtaining a passport under a false name.

He surrendered to a local court on arrival and was released on bail.

Mr Javed's family says he is expected to return later this month.