The Consulate General of India in New York has said that it will initiate disciplinary proceedings against one of its officers after a video that shows him shouting at a visa applicant went viral on social media.
According to news reports, the incident took place on November 24, when an Indian woman in New York went to the consulate office for processing her visa application. In the video, she is heard saying that her father passed away a day before, while the officer returned the application saying, “take your money”. Pointing his finger, the official was seen saying, “Just keep your money and go out.”
On being asked whether there was any missing paperwork, the consulate official did not answer and went inside. The whole exchange was recorded on the mobile phone of another man present with the woman, who was later told by another consulate official that they were not allowed to use the cellular phone to record inside the consulate, the video shows (watch video).
After video went viral, thew New York Consulate said on Thursday it will initiate disciplinary action against staff member.
“We have taken note of the complaint. The Consulate maintains the highest standards of public service. This particular incident does not reflect either its norms or its guideline of public functioning. The Consul General has personally reviewed the matter. based on the information presented, it has been decided to institute disciplinary proceedings against the officer,” the consulate said via its Twitter handle.
A day earlier, the consulate had stated that the matter had been resolved and the visas issued “expeditiously”.
The woman at the centre of the controversy later demanded ‘accountability and change’ in the attitude of officials in charge of visas. She also confirmed via another tweet that she was indeed able to attend her father’s cremation.
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