The Hindu : National : Ministry backs diplomat, upset at U.S. probe

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Thursday, Jun 23, 2011
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National

Ministry backs diplomat, upset at U.S. probe

Special Correspondent

‘He is a diplomat of integrity'
‘We are disappointed at the allegations'

NEW DELHI: While backing a New York-based Indian diplomat against charges levelled by his former employee, the Foreign Office also expressed its disappointment with the manner in which the authorities in the United States have gone about investigating this and other instances in the past.

“We are disappointed and surprised at the allegations against Consul-General of India in New York Prabhu Dayal, by his former employee, which appear to be motivated and baseless,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vishnu Prakash. Mr. Dayal is a senior diplomat of impeccable personal and professional integrity, he added.

At the same time, Mr. Prakash said New Delhi was “disappointed and deeply concerned” that Indian diplomats and their family members should be targeted in such a manner by a friendly country such as the United States.

“Such actions impede the ability of the individuals in question to discharge their official responsibilities as well as cause untold mental harassment and anguish. They cannot be dismissed lightly. The treatment being meted out to Indian diplomats or their family members has resulted in negative public perceptions in India with attendant implications,” added Mr. Prakash.

PTI reports:

Mr. Dayal has been slapped with forced labour charges after his 45-year-old maid Santosh Bhardwaj accused him of treating her as a “slave” and not paying enough.

He has termed the allegations as “mischievous and malicious lies” and apprised the Indian government about the case.

He said Bhardwaj suddenly disappeared in January 2010 and has now re-appeared with these allegations.

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