India has termed the summons issued by a U.S. federal court against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged role in 2002 Gujarat riots as unfortunate, and added that these allegations levelled against the Prime Minister were aimed at vitiating the atmosphere during his visit to the U.S.
"It has been learnt that a case has been filed against the prime Minister in a local Court in New York City on the eve of Prime Minister's visit to the United States. This case is a frivolous and malicious attempt to distract attention from the visit of the Prime Minister to the United States General Assembly and a bilateral summit with the President of the United States," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson stated while responding to a media query.
"The India-American community in the United States is also eagerly looking forward to the Prime Minister's visit and has prepared a rousing reception for him. The allegations in the case are baseless and similar to other such allegations made in the past against the Prime Minister. A Supreme Court of India-monitored investigation has comprehensively examined and dismissed these allegations as baseless," MEA spokesperson added.
"It is unfortunate that vested interests are raking up the matter only to vitiate the atmosphere during the visit. Appropriate steps are being taken to address the matter," the MEA spokesperson further added.
Reacting to the summons, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has reportedly said that the government will examine the summons.
The summons against Prime Minister Modi were issued yesterday by the U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of New York, following a lawsuit filed by the New York based American Justice Center, a non-profit human rights organisation.
