Indian diplomat accused of wife-beating to be transferred from London
By ANISunday, January 16, 2011
LONDON - A high-ranking Indian diplomat in the UK, who allegedly attacked his wife at their official residence, is reportedly being transferred back to India.
Anil Verma, India’s trade ambassador to the UK, had initially claimed immunity from prosecution after being quizzed by police over allegations that he assualted his wife after a heated argument.
Police were called to the couple’s home in Golders Green, northwest London, last month after neighbours heard a woman screaming.
Verma, who could not be arrested because of his diplomatic status, was questioned by the police and had asked the Foreign Office to intervene.
Under the 1961 Vienna Convention, foreign officials, their spouses, children and staff are protected from prosecution in their host country.
As a result, embassy staff accused of serious offences can be charged only if their government agrees to waive their diplomatic immunity.
Earlier, it was reported that the British government had asked the Indian authorities to waive Verma’s diplomatic immunity, but there had been no response from the Indian High Commission in London.
“We do not tolerate diplomats working in the UK breaking the law. When we are made aware of an offence committed by a diplomat or their family, we will take appropriate action,” the Daily Mail had quoted a Foreign Office spokesman, as saying. (ANI)
