New Delhi: In a tough step against the United States of America over the Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragde case, India has decided to take firm reciprocal steps following the end of Tuesday's deadline for surrender of identity cards provided to US Consular staff. All the identity cards provided to US Consular officials now stand withdrawn, according to sources.
The United States on Monday sought more time for the surrender of identity cards of its consular staff in India, which was rejected by India. A slew of diplomatic measures have been taken by India to leave the US "in no doubt of seriousness of India's concern over the issue of Devyani".
Meanwhile, Devyani who was arrested for alleged visa fraud in the United States of America, has now been given accreditation by the United Nations. She has also been exempted from personal appearance in the case in the US.
Devyani was moved to India's Permanent Mission at the United Nations to allow her greater diplomatic immunity from the US law. However, Devyani will still have to face the due process, since she was charged when she was still a Deputy Consul.
A 1999-batch IFS officer, Devyani was arrested by the New York police on the charges of visa fraud. Devyani was taken into custody as she was dropping her daughter to school before being released on a $250,000 bond after pleading not guilty in court.
She could face a maximum sentence of 10 years for visa fraud and five years for making a false declaration if convicted.
Meanwhile, US Embassy has sought extension of the deadline to file visa and other key details of people employed by it and by its officers in India.
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