The Government of India on Tuesday said it would investigate the report of alleged assault by London-based diplomat Amit Verma of his wife and necessary action.
With the British authorities reportedly seeking waiver of diplomatic immunity to proceed against Mr. Verma, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “The matter will be investigated and acted upon. Appropriate laws of the land will take care of any acts that need to be taken care of, consequent to the inquiry.”
MEA spokesman Vishnu Prakash emphasised that the Ministry took a serious view of the matter and noted that the officer and members of the family were transferred back to the headquarters.
There was no question of condoning domestic violence, which was “totally unacceptable.” The Ministry had taken the matter with the seriousness it deserved, he said.
Mr. Verma was posted to the Indian High Commission in late 2009 as Minister (Economic) and according a report in a London daily, he allegedly assaulted his wife after a heated argument last month.
Asked on the role of Deputy High Commissioner Rajesh Prasad who, according to another news report, threatened Mr. Verma's wife, Paromita, with deportation to India, Mr. Prakash said the High Commission only encouraged both sides to resolve their marital discord.
“The High Commission has the responsibility towards the welfare and wellbeing of the officer and the members of the family… the High Commission had encouraged both sides to sort out any marital issues between the two of them, which is best way of doing that,” the spokesman said.
