New Delhi: Doubts have been cast over the methodology adopted to secure the release of Father Alexis, a 47-year-old Jesuit priest, who was abducted by unidentified gunmen from Herat in June last year. He was released after being held captive for nearly eight months, with the MEA and the PM claiming personal credit for the release.

Congress leader Manish Tewari suggested that ransom may have been paid for the release of Jesuit priest Father Alexis Prem Kumar Ananthaswamy in Afghanistan, latching to reported comments of his family regarding it.

“Coincidence Father Alexis’s family- ransom may have been paid to Taliban. Recall IC-814 hijack lot off speculation suitcases on relief plane?

“If what Father Alexis told his family is correct, then it requires investigation. Similar reports around IC-814 hijack. Money & Taliban Synonymous,” Tewari said on Twitter.

There were reports in a section of media quoting Father Alexis’ brother Albert Manoharan that his brother was told by captors that negotiations were on and he may be released soon. Media reports also quoted him as saying that the abductors also told his brother that they are waiting for money.