Diplomat Devyani Khobragade case: VHP demands strict and quick action by Centre

ALLAHABAD: Demanding "strict and immediate government action" in response to the arrest and subsequent ill-treatment meted out to IFS officer Devyani Khobragade in the US, the VHP said a regime "cannot be seen as capable of protecting its citizens abroad if it cannot protect its diplomats".

"Devyani Khobragade is a bright and brave officer belonging to the Scheduled Castes who has served the country on difficult assignments in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.

"The way she was handcuffed and strip-searched is a violation of human rights and an assault on her dignity," VHP's international working president Pravin Togadia said in a statement here.

"We appreciate Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar's stance of refusing to meet an American delegation in protest against the ill-treatment meted out to the Indian diplomat.

"The UPA government, too, must come up with a response to induce confidence among Indians living abroad, be they diplomats or practising any other profession," he said.

"Barely a few years ago, the same UPA government had packed off a team of lawyers to Australia where Indian doctor Haneef was arrested for suspected terror links.

"We hope that the government will once again rise to the occasion and make all possible efforts to uphold the dignity of the IFS officer who has been humiliated in a far-off land." Togadia added.