After Haneef, it’s Ali next

Indian doctor Mohammed Asif Ali is of greater interest to the Australian Federal Police than his ex-colleague Mohammed Haneef, who returned to Bangalore after being absolved of terror charges over the failed car bombings in the UK, according to sources.

Ali, a Gold Coast-based doctor who was briefly detained early last month, was initially interviewed by the federal police over his relationship with Haneef, the sources were quoted as saying by The Age daily.

The federal police have since declared him a person of interest to their investigation. He is being investigated over possible connections to people with terrorist associations.

The sources said that Ali is of greater interest to the police than Haneef. Queensland Health Department is also investigating Ali, who admitted exaggerating his resume after being interviewed in connection with Haneef.

Ali’s solicitor, Neil Lawler, expected he will be sacked from the Gold Coast Hospital and may be deported. Ali would have appeal rights if dismissed by Queensland Health Department.