Indian Envoy’s Official Residence Robbed in Durban, Son Held as Hostage - JPKee.com

Durban, Nov 20: Armed robbers invaded the official residence of India’s consul-general, Shashank Vikram, in Durban on Thursday. His five-year-old son was held hostage briefly; however, no physical harm was done to the diplomat or his family member. The Indian government has raised the issue of security provided to its diplomats with the government of South Africa.

“We have taken up the matter with the relevant authorities, and investigations are currently ongoing. We expect that the intruders will be arrested soon,” said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told ANI.

“Ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomats/officials posted abroad and their families is a matter of highest priority for us,” he added.

Consul SK Pandey said that the family was doing fine but it was traumatised. He informed that nobody was harmed physically. Meanwhile, Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj talked to Shashank Vikram after the incident.

Reports said that a gang of robbers, armed with guns and crowbars, had broken into the house in the afternoon of November 16. Shashank Vikram was not at home when the incident occurred. Apart from his two children, his domestic staff and visiting teachers were also present in the house. The robbers took away the jewellery and cash.

“Vikram’s 5-year-old son was reportedly held by one of the robbers while the men ransacked the house and threatened Vikram’s family with a gun. Jewellery was taken and the suspects fled. No arrests have been made at this stage,” Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane was quoted by Independent Online, as saying.

Source link

- #News #World

Author - Vikash Kumar