Indian envoy set to leave New Zealand after wife accused of assaulting staff member

Melbourne: Indian High Commissioner in New Zealand is set to leave the country today after allegations that his wife had assaulted a staff member. High Commissioner Ravi Thapar was formally recalled and a vehicle was seen this morning at his Wellington address, media reports here said today. The NZ Radio website said that police were declined permission to interview both Thapar and his wife Sharmila. [caption id=“attachment_2315242” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Thapar in a file image. Ibnlive image[/caption] Police said that the staff member who made the allegation of assault had returned to India in early May. Police further said that the victim did not want to press charges. They had since made welfare checks with the man, who said he was fine and happy to be home. The victim, believed to be a chef, had walked 20 kms one night from the diplomat’s residence to Wellington where he was found by member of a public in a state of distress. He was then taken to police station and later spent several nights at Wellington Night Shelter. He alleged that he was kept in slavery and was assaulted by Sharmila. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is aware Thapar is preparing to leave New Zealand. “MFAT was aware a staff member raised with New Zealand police concerns about his treatment in the high commission,” a spokesman confirmed to the New Zealand Herald. “MFAT has been advised the individual concerned elected not to take the matter further. That staff member had independent legal representation and decided to return to India.” In a official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it took such statements of assault very seriously. “A team was deputed from Headquarters to New Zealand to ascertain the facts and conduct an independent inquiry.  The team liaised with the New Zealand authorities to resolve the matter.  The team also facilitated the return of the Service Staff member who wanted to return to India.  He returned on 28 May, 2015,” it said. “Though no charges were pressed by the Service Staff member, the Ministry will investigate the matter further.  The High Commissioner has been posted back to Headquarters,’’ the statement said   with inputs from PTI