A Pakistani diplomat was allegedly manhandled and his driver roughed up after their car grazed past a motorcycle near Jawaharlal Nehru University in south Delhi on Monday. Reacting sharply, the Pakistan High Commission has lodged a protest with the Indian government seeking safety and security of its diplomats under Vienna Convention.
Zarghan Raja, posted as First Secretary (Trade) with the Pakistan High Commission, was on his way home to Vasant Kunj when, according to the Delhi Police, his car grazed past a motorcycle on Aruna Asaf Ali Marg near Ber Sarai around 7 p.m. “A woman riding the pillion fell off the two-wheeler which enraged the accompanying rider named Rahul and it led to a scuffle between him and the car driver, Haider,” said a police officer.
As the two engaged in fisticuffs, Mr. Raja called up his colleagues in the High Commission to apprise them of the situation.
“We received a distress call at 7.26 p.m. A police team was immediately rushed to the place. However, before we could reach the spot, Rahul had roughed up the driver. We are yet to confirm whether Mr. Raja received injuries while trying to intervene in the matter,” said the officer.
Strong protest
Describing it as an unfortunate incident, the Pakistan High Commission, in a statement released late on Monday night, said one of its diplomats and his driver were assaulted and injured in the afternoon. “The High Commission has lodged a strong protest with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs urging immediate and thorough inquiry into the incident. The Government of India has also been requested to ensure safety and security of the personnel, premises and vehicles of the Pakistan High Commission in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and International Diplomatic Practice,” said the statement. The Pakistan High Commission has also issued a note verbale to the MEA over the incident.
Police said the diplomat and his driver were rescued and taken to the Vasant Vihar station. “Rahul and the car driver have been taken to a hospital for medical examination. We had requested the diplomat to get himself examined by doctors as he alleged that he had also sustained injuries. However, Mr. Raja has not yet reported to the hospital. Once we receive complaints from both sides, appropriate legal action would be initiated,” the officer added.
