MEA seeks report on rape charges against Saudi diplomat

NEW DELHI: A day after a Saudi diplomat was booked on rape charges, External Affairs Ministry today said that further steps in the case will be taken once it receives a detailed report from the local police.

"We have asked for a report from Gurgaon police in the matter. Further steps will be taken once the Ministry receives a detailed report from them," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Two Nepalese women have alleged that they were abducted and raped by the diplomat repeatedly in a flat in Gurgaon on the outskirts of the national capital after which local police filed an FIR in the matter.

However, Saudi embassy officials have denied the allegations.

If prima facie a case is made out, the government usually asks the country involved to withdraw diplomatic immunity of the diplomat or official concerned or declares the individual persona non grata.

Gurgaon police had raided a flat in DLF Phase-II and rescued the two women.

The victims have alleged that they were first taken to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia where they were made to perform household chores and were raped, ACP Rajesh said.

Sometime back they were taken to Gurgaon flat where guests of the family also raped them, he said, adding the flat had been taken on rent by the Saudi Embassy based in Delhi.

"A new maid visited the flat and witnessed the miseries of these two women and left the house. That maid reported the matter to an NGO, which informed the police," Rajesh said.
Meanwhile, Nepal embassy here has approached the External Affairs Ministry seeking its help in the matter.

"The Nepal Embassy has written to the ministry seeking cooperation and assistance," official sources said.

Reacting to the case, Nepal Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay said, "We are not fully aware about involvement of any diplomat (Saudi). When we will be informed, then we will go for it (reach out to the Saudis). It is a very very sensitive case and we are getting full support from the MEA and local police.

"The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nepal are very friendly...."

On the condition of the girls, Upadhyay said they were fine now.