New Delhi:
The UK has once again asked India to waive diplomatic immunity for Anil Verma, who is accused of assaulting his wife in London, so that he can be tried in the UK.
Verma was the third-most senior diplomat at the Indian High Commission, and has been recalled to India on account after the controversy erupted over his alleged domestic abuse. However, India says that it will not agree to forsaking his diplomatic immunity. The Indian government says precedent and common practice establish that a diplomat is to be tried according to the laws of his or her country.
Verma was transferred back to India on Sunday. Government sources say that the transfer orders apply to Anil Verma and his wife since she's on a diplomatic passport. However, sources have confirmed that she has gone missing.
Verma allegedly beat his wife, Paromita, at their home on December 11. Their neighbours allegedly summoned the police. Sources also say that after the incident, the couple failed to patch up and Anil Verma left his home in early January.
Paromita's uncle, an Englishman, had threatened Verma when he returned to the flat two days later, sources add.
A tough statement issued by the British Foreign Office this afternoon repeats its stand over the last few days. "The Foreign Office does not tolerate diplomats working in the UK breaking the law. We can confirm that we have formally requested the waiver of diplomatic immunity for a diplomat posted at the Indian High Commission in London. In addition, Foreign Office officials met staff of the Indian High Commission in London to discuss the matter and to emphasise the serious nature of the allegations."
Verma, an IAS officer from the West Bengal cadre, had earlier worked in Pranab Mukherjee's office when the Congress leader was India's Foreign Minister.
The Daily Mail reported over the weekend that Verma's wife, Paromita, has gone into hiding with their young son.
Verma was the third-most senior diplomat at the Indian High Commission, and has been recalled to India on account after the controversy erupted over his alleged domestic abuse. However, India says that it will not agree to forsaking his diplomatic immunity. The Indian government says precedent and common practice establish that a diplomat is to be tried according to the laws of his or her country.
Verma was transferred back to India on Sunday. Government sources say that the transfer orders apply to Anil Verma and his wife since she's on a diplomatic passport. However, sources have confirmed that she has gone missing.
Verma allegedly beat his wife, Paromita, at their home on December 11. Their neighbours allegedly summoned the police. Sources also say that after the incident, the couple failed to patch up and Anil Verma left his home in early January.
Paromita's uncle, an Englishman, had threatened Verma when he returned to the flat two days later, sources add.
A tough statement issued by the British Foreign Office this afternoon repeats its stand over the last few days. "The Foreign Office does not tolerate diplomats working in the UK breaking the law. We can confirm that we have formally requested the waiver of diplomatic immunity for a diplomat posted at the Indian High Commission in London. In addition, Foreign Office officials met staff of the Indian High Commission in London to discuss the matter and to emphasise the serious nature of the allegations."
Verma, an IAS officer from the West Bengal cadre, had earlier worked in Pranab Mukherjee's office when the Congress leader was India's Foreign Minister.
The Daily Mail reported over the weekend that Verma's wife, Paromita, has gone into hiding with their young son.
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