This Article is From Dec 26, 2013

Bahrain diplomat booked for allegedly molesting woman, 'immunity' prevents arrest

Mumbai: Amid the row over Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade's arrest in the US, India today took up with Bahrain the case of their senior diplomat booked for allegedly molesting a woman in Mumbai, but not arrested due to diplomatic immunity.

After the Indian foreign ministry raised it with the Bahrain authorities, they assured that they would look into the diplomat's conduct.

Consul General of Bahrain, Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Khaja, has been booked for molesting and verbally abusing the woman manager of his housing society in south Mumbai on December 9, the police said.

In her complaint, the 49-year-old woman alleged that Mr Khaja had lost his temper at finding an elevator in the building shut for repairs.

The diplomat, who has stayed in the building for five years, was reportedly slamming the doors of the elevator when she saw him and asked him to calm down. The woman alleged that Mr Khaja did not stop and that in a rage, he touched her and used abusive language. He also ransacked her office, she alleged.

The woman went to the police, who conducted a preliminary inquiry and registered a complaint. The police say the diplomat has not been arrested as he enjoys diplomatic immunity.

Police said Mr Khaja allegedly tried to create more trouble in the building on December 20.

He has been booked for molestation and breach of peace among other charges, said Malabar Hill police station senior inspector Vinay Bagade said.
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