Intensifying its efforts to secure the release of an Indian arrested by US-led forces in Iraq, India Friday said it had taken up the issue with the US Embassy in Baghdad. Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, who is in close touch with the Indian Embassy in Baghdad, said he was hopeful of the release of Sijo, hailing from Kottayam district of Kerala.

The minister said he had communicated to Sijo's family that efforts to get him released would bear fruit. Sijo, who was working with a Kuwaiti catering firm involved in supplying food to the US soldiers, was arrested by the US-led forces in Iraq about four months ago on charges of entering a "prohibited" area and taking photographs.

American forces had claimed he was found taking photographs of prohibited Mosul Airport and was in possession of photos of some unauthorised installations. However, his family back home was worried and has approached the state government to secure his release.