THATTA, March 5: Police on Saturday released a young German tourist, Ms Ellen Hirt, after keeping her in protective custody for a day.

It was learnt that Ms Hirt had arrived here last month with a group of German tourists and stayed at the circuit house. On Feb 18, she returned alone in her own vehicle and police escorted her as part of her security.

During her stay in the district she also met German Ambassador and other diplomats who happened to visit coastal areas of Keti Bunder and Kharo Chhan.

Later, police informed the German consulate and with its permission police escorted her to Karachi consulate and obtained written acknowledgement of her safe handing over to German authorities.

Surprisingly after a few days she was again found in the area moving around on foot while carrying a shoulder bag. Police spotted her at the Keenjhar Lake while she was taking a bath. Local divers caught her and handed over to police.

"Keenjhar is a very beautiful lake and I love to stay here forever", a police official quoted her saying. However, she was taken to the Civil Hospital for medical check up.

The Thatta administration finally allowed her to go wherever she liked following directives by the authorities. The area people said the tourist was seen roaming on the National Highway.