21 Indians detained in China; India seeks Consular access

BEIJING/NEW DELHI: Twenty-one Indians have been detained in the Shenzhen region of China for alleged diamond smuggling.

The detentions were made on Friday last and the Chinese authorities are moving to press charges of diamond smuggling against them, sources said.

Indian Embassy in Beijing immediately took up the matter with the Chinese government and sought Consular access to them, they said.

The Consular access has been granted for tomorrow. In New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said a report has been sought from the Embassy in Beijing.

"I am aware that some Indians have been taken into custody by the Chinese authorities in Shenzhen. I have asked our ambassador in Beijing for factual report on this matter," she said.

Rao said Ambassador S Jaishankar "is in touch with the Indian Consular General in Guangzhou, which covers Shenzhen and we are awaiting the full facts from the Ambassador."