A kidnapped Catholic aid worker has been released after more than a month in captivity.

Judith D'Souza, from Calcutta, India was a humanitarian worker in Afghanistan before she was captured on June 9. But the Indian foreign minister broke the news of her return to Delhi with a tweet on Saturday.

Sushma Swaraj thanked the Afghan government for their cooperation.

D'Souza was kidnapped in Qala-e-Fatullah in Kabul, on her way home after a dinner with friends.

Investigators initially believed a terrorist group was responsible but now suspect a criminal gang that captured her in exchange for ransom. It is not known whether any sum was paid for D'Souza's release.

D'Souza had worked for the NGO Aga Khan Network as a technical advisor and promoted the role of women in Afghanistan.

Family members thanked the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having pleaded with him to do everything possible to ensure her release.

D'Souza's brother Jerome tweeted: "Judith has been rescued by the government. Our family's joy knows no bounds. Gratitude to @PMOIndia @SushmaSwaraj @VohraManpreet [Indian ambassador to Afghanistan]."

As well as D'Souza's family, the Archbishop of Calcutta, Msgr Thomas D'Souza also gathered support, arranged prayer vigils and arranged for Catholics to write to the government to ask for her release.