Conduct of Indian diplomats under scanner, action against ‘tainted’ officials after inquiry

The Indian government has assured that it is taking action against 43 officials posted in Indian missions abroad, who are facing a variety of charges, including corruption and dereliction of duty.
“Action is being taken in all 43 cases as per established procedure,” said Vikas Swarup, the spokesperson of India’s external affairs ministry (MEA). He said that some of the complaints are against low-ranking officials and locally-hired staff, and the cases are being dealt with as per procedures.
Earlier, India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Ravi Thapar was recalled after a member of staff at the Indian diplomatic mission alleged that he was assaulted by Sharmila Thapar, wife of Mr Thapar. The issue has once again raised concerns about the conduct of Indian diplomats posted abroad.

Last month, a chef had alleged that Mrs Thapar assaulted him and kept him in slavery, following which the high commissioner was recalled based on the inquiry report.

Mr Thapar, however, denied that the staff member was assaulted by his wife and said he was returning to India to take care of his mother. Mr Swarup assured that further inquiries will be conducted in the matter.

So far, the Indian government has received 43 such complaints on a variety of charges, including corruption in the last three years. It received six complaints in 2012, 10 in 2013 and 27 in 2014 against officials in Indian missions.

It has received eight complaints each from the missions in the UK and Madagascar alone since 2012. From the UK, the government received two complaints in 2012, one in 2013 and five last year. In addition, countries like Afghanistan, Austria, Canada, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Botswana, Thailand, Zambia, Mauritius, Morocco, Netherlands, South Africa and Mali have also added in the number of complaints against Indian Embassy staff.

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