Investigations underway in ransacking of Indian diplomat's house in Durban: MEA

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday said the investigations were currently underway in connection with the armed intrusion at the residence of Consul General of India in Durban.

"We have taken up the matter with the relevant authorities, and investigations are currently ongoing. We expect that the intruders will be arrested soon," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj has spoken to the Consul General Dr Shashank Vikram and inquired about the well being of his family.

"Ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomats/officials posted abroad and their families is a matter of highest priority for us," he added.

On November 16, a gang of robbers, armed with guns and crowbars, broke into the residence in the afternoon and held the family hostage, according to media reports.

Dr Vikram was not home at the time when the robbers held his family at gunpoint and took away the jewellery and cash.

"Vikram's 5-year-old son was reportedly held by one of the robbers while the men ransacked the house and threatened Vikram's family with a gun. Jewellery was taken and the suspects fled. No arrests have been made at this stage," Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane was quoted by Independent Online, as saying.