A senior Indian diplomat here has been questioned by the police over reports that he assaulted his wife after a heated argument.
No further action was taken after he claimed diplomatic immunity from prosecution.
The Foreign Office said it did not “tolerate” diplomats breaking the law.
A spokesman of India House confirmed that the External Affairs Ministry and the High Commission were “aware” of the incident and “looking” into it.
“Since it involves sensitive and personal matters pertaining to individuals it is premature to make any further comment at this stage,’’ he said.
Anil Verma, Minister (Economic), was questioned by the police when they were called to his house in north-west London after neighbours reported they heard a woman screaming.
Confirming the incident, which happened last month, a Scotland Yard spokesman said: “At 9.30 a.m. on December 11, following reports of an assault at an address at Corringham Road, NW11, a man in his 40s was spoken to by officers. No arrests were made.”
According to a report in the Daily Mail , police have asked the Foreign Office to intervene amid calls for a review of diplomatic immunity rules.
A Foreign Office spokesperson told The Hindu that it did not “tolerate” any breach of law by diplomats and depending on the seriousness of the offence may seek the removal of a diplomat who may have broken the law.
“We do not tolerate diplomats working in the U.K. breaking the law. We expect them to respect the law in the U.K. in the same way that our diplomats do in other countries. Whenever we are made aware by the police of an offence committed by a diplomat or a member of their family, we will take appropriate action. Depending on the seriousness of the offence we raise concerns with the relevant head of mission and may seek the removal of the diplomat concerned. We will always request the waiving of diplomatic immunity where asked to do so by the police. We carefully consider every case and do not shy away from taking necessary action,’’ she said.
Last year, Foreign Secretary William Hague told MPs that foreign diplomats had escaped prosecution in 78 serious cases in the previous five years. These included allegations of sexual abuse, shoplifting and drunk-driving.
