NEW DELHI: A Saudi Arabian diplomat, who was accused of raping two Nepalese nationals employed as maids, has left the country, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday.
“We have learnt that first secretary Majed Hassan Ashoor, who was allegedly accused of raping two Nepalese women, has left India,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. This is the first time the ministry has officially identified Majed by his name. “The first secretary being a diplomat is governed by the provisions of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations,” he added.
On September 7, Gurgaon police had raided the Saudi diplomat’s residence, based on a tip-off from a non-governmental organisation. They rescued two Nepalese nationals, who narrated their harrowing tale of rape by the diplomat and other ‘guests’. A complaint was registered.
“There could only be two possible results — the Saudis withdraw their diplomat or India expels him,” said an official.
If India went down the expulsion route, it would have vitiated the atmosphere ahead of a visit by PM Narendra Modi.