New Delhi, July 25 (IANS) Indian national P.K. Abhilash who was kidnapped by guerrillas in Sudan in May has been released after 74 days in captivity, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said Friday. Ravi said that Abhilash was in “sound health and prepared to undertake the return journey to his native place”.

He expressed his relief that the “continuous follow-up on the safety of P.K. Abilash has borne fruit”.

“Our ambassador in Khartoum is in touch with Mr Abhilash, who deserves to be complimented for his courage amidst his ordeal lasting more than 74 days,” Ravi said in a press statement.

The minister credited the “team effort” of the governments of India and Sudan, and Abhilash’s employer, Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, for the release.

“The safety and security of overseas Indians, as they serve in challenging environments, has been an important priority of my ministry,” he said.

Abhilash and three others had been kidnapped May 13. While two had managed to escape from custody, another Indian, Biplab Biswas’s whereabouts are unknown.