New Delhi: Senior Indian diplomat Harish Kumar Dogra, embroiled in a controversy that has led to withdrawal of his diplomatic accreditation as India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, has finally decided to return to India where he is likely to face action for defying the Government.
”He (Dogra) is a senior government official. He will return," his lawyer Sanchit Sahajpal said on Friday.
Sahajpal, however, said that he could not give any time-frame for the return of the diplomat as it would depend on settling his family. Dogra's wife Neeta and son, who have business interests in New Zealand, have decided to settle down in the country. Neeta has already applied for visa to stay on.
Earlier on Friday, reports from Wellington quoted New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark as saying that Dogra could be deported if he refuses to leave New Zealand.
Foreign ministry officials in Wellington said Dogra could stay in New Zealand only if he met the requirements of ordinary visitors. That meant showing he had adequate funds for his stay and a return air ticket.
Dogra, a Secretary-rank IFS officer was recalled on March 1 following 'complaints'.
He, however, refused to obey the order and instead asked Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran to prove charges against him or resign.
His replacement is expected next week in New Zealand and he formally handed over charge on Saturday after the government issued an ultimatum to him.
Dogra had earlier approached the Central Administrative Tribunal challenging the recall order.
Contending that he was an upright officer who had done no wrong, he alleged that the decision to recall him was taken in an "arbitrary manner" and no reasons had been cited for the action.
When contacted over phone in Wellington, Dogra's wife Neeta said that the family members apprehended danger to their lives if they returned to India.
She claimed they had received "threats" twice since Dogra was issued the recall order over a month ago. She, however, refused to say who had threatened them.
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