Slavery charges against Prabhu Dayal law enforcement matter: US

The charges of misconduct and sexual harassment levelled against Indian Consul General in New York Prabhu Dayal by his former maid are a law enforcement matter, the US State Department has said.

"It's a law enforcement matter, as you know," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters at her daily news conference when asked about the charges against Dayal.

In a case filed in a New York court, Santosh Bhardwaj, who earlier worked as a maid for Dayal, alleged that her former employer treated her like a slave, claiming unspecified damages.

The allegations have been denied by Dayal.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said Dayal had "impeccable personal and professional integrity" and the charges against him "appear to be motivated and baseless".