The Indian deputy consul at the heart of an international outrage over her strip search in New York has now been ordered to leave the United States, after a federal grand jury charged her with making false statements and with visa fraud.
NBC News reported that Devyani Khobragade refused to waive her diplomatic immunity and was indicted for allegedly giving false information to U.S. authorities to obtain papers for a housekeeper she brought from India to her New York residence. The case made international headlines when the housekeeper came forward and alleged she was being paid less than minimum wage.
Ms. Khobragade headed home on Friday, NBC reported.
“Her head is held high,” said her attorney, Daniel Arshack, in the NBC report. “She knows she has done no wrong and looks forward to assuring the truth is known.”
The diplomat’s husband and children did not immediately fly out with her, but were expected to head back to India soon, Reuters reported.
Mrs. Khobragade was arrested on Dec. 12 and subjected to a strip search — in accordance with normal police procedure, authorities said. But Indian officials condemned the search as “barbaric,” NBC reported,
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said on Thursday that the charges against Mrs. Khobragade would remain in place until she formally answered them in court, NBC reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.