NZ Indian High Commissioner recalled over assault allegations

Melbourne/New Delhi, June 27: The Indian External Affairs Ministry on Saturday has recalled Indian High Commissioner in New Zealand Ravi Thapar over allegations of his wife, Sharmila, attacking one of the house assistants. Thapar was directed to report at the External Affairs Office in New Delhi. The Ministry summoned an official team to New Zealand to inquire the incident where Sharmila has reportedly attacked a house assistant. The Ministry said action would be taken against Thapar based on the inquiry report. The assistant, believed to be a chef, walked about 20 km away from Thapar's house, one night. A few people saw him unconscious beside a road and took him to police station. There the chef complained to the police that Sharmila treated him like a slave and even assaulted him often. He returned to India on May 28. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said this incident came to their notice on May 10. The issue would be inquired, he added.