Indian diplomat not immune from NY charges

Published February 1, 2014
Devyani Khobragade. — File photo
Devyani Khobragade. — File photo

NEW YORK: Federal prosecutors say an Indian diplomat who was strip-searched when arrested on charges she fraudulently obtained a work visa for her housekeeper and lied about the housekeeper's pay isn't covered by diplomatic immunity.

Prosecutors say in papers filed Friday in Manhattan federal court that since Devyani Khobragade is no longer in the US, she's not immune from prosecution.

The papers further argue the immunity she would have enjoyed at the consular level wouldn't protect against the charges in this case.

Khobragade was the deputy consul general in New York. She complied with a Department of State order to leave the United States earlier this month following her indictment.

Her attorney has filed court papers asking that all charges and arrest warrants be dismissed against his client.

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