The Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade was the center of controversy when she was arrested on December 12 in Manhattan, on charges of visa fraud and making false statements, regarding the employment of her live-in domestic worker. Khobragade was arrested in front of her daughter’s school. Her arrest came as a shock to Indian officials. She was strip-searched and put with other female suspects. Devyani Khobragade allegedly paid the woman $3.31 an hour despite claiming the housekeeper would make $9.75 an hour.
According to CBS New York, Federal prosecutors say the babysitter from India worked for Devyani Khobragade in New York for around 7 months. Indian officials insisted on her immunity. U.S. prosecutors said that after winning dismissal of the case, Devyani Khobragade may face new charges.
Daniel Arshack, attorney for Devyani Khobragade emailed a statement which read, “We are heartened that the court agreed with our legal analysis and rejected the prosecution’s arguments by dismissing the case,” and according to Bloomberg news also stated that “Technically, the prosecution remains free to re-indict Dr. Khobragade. However, the decision to do so might well be viewed as an aggressive and unnecessary act. This current circumstance might well present the best opportunity for a lasting and final diplomatic resolution.”
Devyani Khobragade was the deputy consul general in New York. Huffington Post reported that she complied with a Department of State order to leave the United States earlier this month following her indictment. The US attorney’s office in Manhattan hasn’t commented on its plans.
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