DHAKA: India is checking the tax status of Americans working at schools in the country, after the arrest this month of an Indian diplomat in New York.

Devyani Khobragade was handcuffed and strip-searched while in custody.

Her detention on charges of visa fraud and underpayment of her housekeeper sparked outrage in India.

India would no longer turn a blind eye to tax violations by diplomats’ spouses taking up work in the country, media cited an unnamed official as saying.

Delhi has also withdrawn some privileges enjoyed by American diplomats and their families in the country, added the official.

‘Spouses and children have no more immunity. So if there is a parking offence or... something else happening in Bangalore etcetera, they would be held liable.’

The US embassy declined to comment on the latest steps.

While US state secretary John Kerry has expressed his ‘regret’ over Khobragade’s arrest, the state department has said it will not drop charges, as requested by India.

Delhi has also demanded an apology from the US over the diplomat’s alleged ‘humiliation’, reports the BBC.

BDST: 2123 HRS, DEC 28, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor