Saudi hand chopping incident: India calls for independent probe

Expressing serious concern over the untoward incident of an Indian woman's hand being chopped off by her employer in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that an independent probe must be undertaken and a case of attempted murder be lodged against the sponsor.

MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Indian mission in Riyadh is actively pursuing the matter with the Saudi authorities.

"We have raised the issue on 7th October with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and asked for strict action in the matter and severe punishment for the sponsor," he said, adding that the police chief has assured a speedy and fair investigation into the matter.

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Swarup said the MEA and the Indian mission in Riyadh are monitoring the situation of the victim, and are in touch with her family to extend all necessary support to overcome this difficult phase.

"At the same time, the MEA continues to pursue this matter on all levels with the Saudi officials, to ensure speedy justice for her," he added.

Swarup further said the Mission officials have met the chief as well as the investigating officer of the police station and have requested that the victim's Statement be recorded without further delay.

"An independent probe must be undertaken on the incident and a case of attempted murder be lodged against the sponsor. The sponsor must also be directed to pay for her ongoing treatment," he added.

The right hand of a 55-year-old woman from Vellore, Tamil Nadu, who worked as a help in Saudi Arabia, was chopped off by her employer.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has condemned the incident.

"We are very much disturbed over the brutal manner in which Indian lady has been treated in Saudi Arabia. This is unacceptable. We have taken up the matter with Saudi authorities," Swaraj said in a series of tweets.