Indian diplomat recalled from UK

NEW DELHI: A senior diplomat posted in London, Anil Verma, has been recalled by the external affairs ministry following accusations that he was assaulting his wife.

Verma, according to sources in the external affairs ministry, was being transferred back to Delhi immediately. If necessary, the ministry will take action against him once he is back.

The sources also said that action will be based on the findings of the probe into the allegations of assault and wife-beating against the diplomat. Verma, who is minister (economic) in the Indian High Commission in London, allegedly attacked his wife after a heated argument last month, an incident which was reported by a British daily.

After the incident came to light, the MEA had said the High Commission of India and the ministry were aware of the charges against the diplomat and were looking into it carefully.

“It involves sensitive and personal issues pertaining to individuals,’’ the ministry had then said.

According to a report in Daily Mail, Verma had sought immunity from prosecution after being questioned by the London police about whether he beat his wife at their official residence in December.

Verma is the third most senior diplomat at the Indian High Commission, after the High Commissioner and the Deputy High Commissioner. The London police had reportedly asked the UK government to waive Verma's diplomatic immunity.
Meanwhile, the diplomat’s wife is reported to have gone into hiding with her son over fears that their lives was in danger.

Paromita Verma, British newspapers said, had gone into hiding with the couple’s five-year-old son and had applied for leave to remain in Britain on humanitarian grounds.