Britain boots out diplomat Vermas family

Britain said the Indian diplomat accused of assaulting his wife is required to leave the country along with his family.

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Britain on Wednesday said the Indian diplomat accused of assaulting his wife is required to leave the country along with his family.

Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Wednesday said it has sent a Note Verbale to the Indian High Commission yesterday acknowledging Indian government’s decision to transfer senior diplomat Anil Verma back to Delhi,noting that Verma and his dependants are required to leave the UK.

An FCO spokesperson today said: “We can confirm that,in a letter dated January 13,we formally requested the waiver of diplomatic immunity for a diplomat posted at the Indian High Commission in London”.

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“In a Note Verbale sent to the Indian High Commission on January 18 we have acknowledged the Indian Government’s decision to transfer Verma back to Delhi and noted that Verma and his dependants are required to leave the UK”.

Asked to comment on reports that Verma’s wife Paromita Verma had sought asylum in the UK fearing that her life is in danger if she returned to India,a Home Office spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on individual asylum application”.

The Indian High commission on January 17,2011 informed the FCO through a Note Verbale that a decision has been taken by the Government of India to transfer Verma and his family to India.

The High Commission sought assistance of the FCO to facilitate their early return.

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Verma,a senior IAS officer of West Bengal cadre,joined the High Commission here as Minister (Economic) on August 24,2009.

He was accompanied by his wife Paromita,two sons now aged 19 years and 5 years,Paromita mother,and a service staff.

In addition to being his wife,Paromita is an employee of the Indian Railways,and is in London on paid study leave for two years.