Indian consul general’s home in SA robbed, MEA takes up issue

India has taken up the issue of an armed intrusion into the house of its Durban-based Consul General Shashank Vikram with South African authorities. The family members of Vikram, domestic staff and a visiting teacher was targeted by robbers and briefly held hostage at their official residence. Among them were two children, aged five and 10.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Vikram and enquired about the well being of his family.  

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the issue has been taken up with relevant authorities. “Ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomats/officials posted abroad, and their families is a matter of highest priority for us,” he added.

An Indian diplomat, S K Pandey, said while nobody suffered physical harm, the family was traumatised.

The robbers reportedly gained entry by derailing the entrance gate.

Vikram told a South African media outlet  that with India House being a diplomatic establishment, the robbery was a “very rude shock”.