IFS officer indicted for slavery and fined heavily

US court recommends $1.5 mn for Indian diplomat's maid
Press Trust of India, Updated: February 23, 2012 21:01 IST

New York: In a setback to an Indian diplomat accused of indulging in "slavery" by her maid, a US judge has recommended that she be awarded nearly USD 1.5 million for her "barbaric treatment" at the hands of her employer.
The proposed award includes USD 500,000 for the "emotional distress" inflicted on Shanti Gurung by Neena Malhotra and her husband Jogesh, The New York Post said.
Neena Malhotra was then the Consul at Consulate General of India here.
The Malhotras clearly induced their ex-maid to "work without pay by seizing her passport and visa, restricting her ability to leave their apartment, and constantly warning her that if she travelled on her own without their permission, she would be arrested, beaten, raped and sent back to India as 'cargo'" Manhattan federal Magistrate Judge Frank Maas was quoted as having written in his recommendation.
His recommendations are subject to approval by Judge Victor Marrero, who is overseeing the case, the daily said.
Last year, Marrero granted Gurung a default judgement against the Malhotras, who returned to India before they could be served with their ex-maid's suit that was filed in 2010, the report said.
The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi had then said the media reports containing allegations against the senior diplomat "do not appear to be in conformity with facts".
US court recommends $1.5 mn for Indian diplomat's maid
Contradiction: India protects the accused: click here to read more
The Hindu Report: Ms Neera absconding- unable to serve legal notice through MEA- Is UOI conniving with the accused?
Comment: Sad commentary on the MEA and the indisciplined IFS Officers. The method of selection of diplomats need to be revised to enhance the image of India. Similar slavery cases in India hardly gets noticed or the accused convicted or if fined it is peanuts. We need to enforce anti slavery laws and make an example of the culprits instead of protecting them. Neena Malhotra must face the law of Justice and she must be removed from service the least the MEA can do to salvage its image.