Kidnapped Indian aid worker in Afghanistan rescued

New Delhi, July 23  An Indian aid worker who was kidnapped in Afghanistan last month has been rescued and will reach New Delhi on Saturday evening, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said.

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

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.

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.