Anil Verma, a senior diplomat in the Indian High Commission here, has been questioned by
Scotland Yard on allegations that he assaulted his wife, but has escaped persecution due to diplomatic immunity.
Verma, who is Minister (Economic) in the High Commission, is alleged to have attacked his wife after a heated argument last month, Daily Mail reported on Sunday.
He is closely involved with India-UK trade relations.
The police were called to the couple's home in Golders Green, North-West London, after neighbours heard a woman screaming.
According to the report, police officers questioned Verma but did not arrest him because of his diplomatic status.
The police have reportedly asked the Foreign Office to intervene.
"The External Affairs Ministry and the High Commission are carefully looking into the incident. It involves sensitive and personal issues pertaining to the individuals. It is
premature to make any further comment at this stage," an Indian High Commission spokesman told PTI here.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "At 9:30 AM on December 11, following reports of an assault at an address at Corringham Road, NW11, a man in his 40s was spoken to by officers. No arrests were made."
Commenting on the incident, an Indian High Commission spokesman earlier said: "This matter has been brought to our attention. It is now expected that this matter will be resolved between husband and wife to their mutual
satisfaction."
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We do not tolerate diplomats working in the UK breaking the law. When we are made aware of an offence committed by a diplomat or their family,
we will take appropriate action."
Quoting official source, the report said the British Government had asked the Indian authorities to waive Verma's diplomatic immunity but there had been no resposne from the Indian High Commission in London.
Last year, Foreign Secretary William Hague told Parliament that foreign diplomats had escaped prosecution in 78 serious cases in the previous five years, including alleged sexual abuse, shoplifting and drunk-driving.
Under the 1961 Vienna Convention, foreign officials, their spouses, children and staff are protected from prosecution in their host country.
As a result, embassy staff accused of serious offences can be charged only if their government agrees to waive their diplomatic immunity.