Diplomat row: IACC seeks unconditional apology from US

Devyani Khobragade, serving as deputy Consul General in New York was arrested and handcuffed in public

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IMC) has strongly objected to the "humiliating treatment" meted out to Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade by the US law enforcement agencies.

"The Chamber considers the action unacceptable and feels that the US government should tender an unconditional apology for the humiliation of the diplomat," said Nanik Rupani, president of Chamber's West India Council, in a statement here.

Devyani (39), serving as deputy Consul General in New York, was arrested and handcuffed in public while dropping her daughter to school last week, on charge of visa fraud.

She was reportedly subjected to strip search and incarcerated in a cell that was also occupied by drug addicts.

"The action is unwarranted considering the stature of the person involved. She certainly deserves better treatment and courtesies," the statement added.

IACC is a non-government, industry led and industry-managed organisation for promoting commercial relations between the two countries.

"An unconditional apology would help carry forward the strong commercial ties that the two countries have developed and are in the process of enhancing," added the statement.