The Indian Government has recalled its High Commissioner to New Zealand following allegations that his wife had assaulted a member of the mission staff.
High Commissioner Ravi Thapar was formally recalled and a vehicle was seen this morning at his Wellington address, media reports here said.
The NZ Radio website quoted said local police, as saying that the staff member had made the allegation of assault against Sharmila Thapar, and had returned to India in early May.
Police were further quoted, as saying that the victim did not want to press charges, and is reported to be fine and happy to be back in India.
The victim, believed to be a chef, is reported to have walked 20-kilometres from the diplomat's residence to Wellington where he was found in a state of distress.
He is reported to have spent several nights at a night shelter in Wellington.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is aware High Commissioner Thapar is preparing to leave New Zealand on Sunday.
"MFAT was aware a staff member raised with New Zealand police concerns about his treatment in the high commission," a spokesman confirmed to the New Zealand Herald.
