Allegations against Consul General in New York fabricated and motivated: MEA

New Delhi, June 23 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed its disappointment and surprise over allegations levelled against India's Consul-General in New York, Prabhu Dayal, by his former employee.

In a statement issued here,a government spokesman termed the allegations as fabricated and motivated.

"We are disappointed and surprised at the allegations against Consul General (CG) of India in New York, Mr. Prabhu Dayal, by his former employee, which appear to be motivated and baseless," said the statement.

Describing Prabhu Dayal as a senior diplomat of impeccable personal and professional integrity, the statement further said: "We are disappointed and deeply concerned that Indian diplomats and their family members, should be targetted in such a manner in a friendly country like USA."

"Such actions impede the ability of the individuals in question to discharge their official responsibilities, as well as, cause untold mental harassment and anguish. They cannot be dismissed lightly. The treatment being meted out to Indian diplomats or their family members, has resulted in negative public perceptions in India with attendant implications," it added.

As ascertained from the Consul General, broadly the facts are as under:

The domestic assistant in question, Santosh Bhardwaj, was in CG's employment in Rabat, when the latter was posted there as the Ambassador of India. She thereafter returned to India. Next, she willingly and voluntarily, travelled with him to New York in February 2009.

She was given a comfortable and spacious room to live in, on the fifth floor of the Consulate General of India, which also houses the CG's residence. The room was fully equipped and well furnished including with an air-conditioner and central heating.

She performed normal duties of an India-based assistant and was paid as per the arrangement with her, which included Rs. 14000/- per month, that was credited into her bank account in India. Rest of the amount was paid to her in US dollars in cash, for meeting local expenses. She also shared the same food as the CG and his family, for which there was no charge or restriction.

For certain reasons, CG Dayal wanted to dispense with her services and send her back to India, as she had travelled on an official passport, at Government cost. However, she disappeared soon thereafter in January 2010, perhaps on getting an inkling of her impending repatriation. CG immediately informed MEA and her official passport was cancelled under the rules. (ANI)