India has demanded that the US drop a case against an Indian diplomat who was arrested and strip-searched in New York City for alleged visa fraud.
Indian officials described the case as degrading treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India’s deputy consul general in New York. Khobragade was arrested last week and charged with paying her Indian housekeeper far less than she had claimed on a visa application.
Indian officials said Khobragade had earlier accused the housekeeper of blackmailing her over the salary amount and that the US attorney in Manhattan ignored the fact. Khobragade could face a maximum sentence of 10 years for visa fraud and five years for making a false declaration if convicted.