China detains 21 Indians; Indian officials allowed access to the detainees
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, January 13, 2010
Chinese Police (File)
Twenty-one Indians have been detained in the Shenzhen region of China for alleged diamond smuggling from Hong Kong. These people have been detained on 8 January and now Chinese authorities are moving to press charges of diamond smuggling against them.
Indian Embassy in Beijing immediately took up the matter with the Chinese government and sought Consular access to them.
The consular access was granted to Indian officials and one official from Indian embassy in Beijing and another from Consulate General office in Shenjhen met the detainees on Wednesday.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said a report has been sought from the Embassy in Beijing. Mrs Rao said that she has asked Indian Ambassador in Beijing for factual report on this matter.
However, quoting sources in Indian embassy, Chinese media said, that the detainees have been kept in state detention center and their condition appear to be good.
