# U.S. Authorities strip search Indian diplomat (female). **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 17, 2013, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591 "2013-12-17T20:02:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/61 "2013-12-18T02:50:18Z")
I’m not sure what wages the US requires for live in domestic help. Free room & board is a substantial benefit in NY. Requiring someone to pay minimum wage wouldn’t make sense. This should be covered in the law. Waitresses aren’t paid minimum wage because they earn tips. Salesman get paid very little because they earn sales commissions. Or I guess they could pay minimum wage and deduct $750 a month for room & board. A bargain for a room in a luxury NY townhouse with free utilities and food. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/62 "2013-12-18T02:52:25Z")
Apparently the employer thought the wage that should be paid was $4500/month as that is what she falsely reported on the form she filed. ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/63 "2013-12-18T02:55:27Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > She’s not a diplomat. Yeah sure, If thats the official stand of US, we should then arrest american deputy consul general or more senior diplomat from American embassy here in Delhi in public. EDIT - and put them in a cell in Tihar jail here with murderers and rapists. ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/64 "2013-12-18T02:59:44Z")
she is a Consul-general and is entitled to consular immunity and not diplomatic immunity. This is the Vienna Convention on consular relations -:[http://cil.nus.edu.sg/rp/il/pdf/1963%20Vienna%20Convention%20on%20Consular%20Relations-pdf.pdf](http://cil.nus.edu.sg/rp/il/pdf/1963%20Vienna%20Convention%20on%20Consular%20Relations-pdf.pdf) > [@](#): > > Article 41 > > Personal Inviolability Of Consular Officers > > 1. Consular officers shall not be liable to arrest or detention pending trial, except in the case of a grave crime and pursuant to a decision by the competent judicial authority. > > 2. Except in the case specified in paragraph 1 of this article, consular officers shall not be committed to prison or be liable to any other form of restriction on their personal freedom save in execution of a judicial decision of final effect. > > 3. If criminal proceedings are instituted against a consular officer, he must appear before the competent authorities. Nevertheless, the proceedings shall be conducted with the respect due to him by reason of his official position and, except in the case specified in paragraph 1 of this article, in a manner which will hamper the exercise of consular functions as little as possible. When, in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article, it has become necessary to detain a consular officer, the proceedings against him shall be instituted with the minimum of delay. Clearly, paragraph 1 says that a consular officer should not be arrested unless it is a grave crime. Now this lady was the acting Consul General and was arrested publicly while she was dropping off her children to school. Really, really disgusting behavior by the US authorities. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/65 "2013-12-18T03:11:21Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > Yeah sure, If thats the official stand of US, we should then arrest american deputy consul general or more senior diplomat from American embassy here in Delhi in public. > > EDIT - and put them in a cell in Tihar jail here with murderers and rapists. On what charges? ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/66 "2013-12-18T03:12:04Z")
Her own salary is ~$4100 and she doesn’t pay her paid expected minimum salary of $4500 and THAT’S US’s interpretation of grave crime. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/67 "2013-12-18T03:12:20Z")
I’ve been confused about this case too. Grave Crime would be something violent like murder, rape, or at least a serious physical assault. Maybe even a DUI where somebody was injured or died. Filling out false paperwork for a nanny just doesn’t seem to fit. Yes its a crime. Charge her, book her and release. They didn’t need to jail her and require a huge 250,000 bond. Isn’ that what item 3 requires? ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/68 "2013-12-18T03:14:17Z")
shocking that people are defending this act by the US ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/69 "2013-12-18T03:15:50Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > Her own salary is ~$4100 and she doesn’t pay her paid expected minimum salary of $4500 and THAT’S US’s interpretation of grave crime. Slavery? As has been pointed out, the official lied on her entry papers. ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/70 "2013-12-18T03:15:56Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > \*\*I’ve been confused about this case too. Grave Crime would be something violent like murder, rape, or at least a serious physical assault. Maybe even a DUI where somebody was injured or died. > > Filling out false paperwork for a nanny just doesn’t seem to fit. Yes its a crime.\*\* Charge her, book her and release. They didn’t need to jil her. Tell this to a certain posters over here. She simply can not be arrested on these charges. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/71 "2013-12-18T03:22:45Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > Clear cut case of over zealous ness shown by US law enforcement agencies - > > 3 things to be done by the US- > > 1. Unconditional apology > 2. dropping of all charges against the diplomat > 3. taking measures so such things do not happen in future. > > Check these videos to get a sense of outrage in India and some cool america bashing - > [Debate 1](http://www.timesnow.tv/Debate-India-hits-back---1/videoshow/4444106.cms) > [Debate 2](http://www.timesnow.tv/Debate-India-hits-back---2/videoshow/4444107.cms) If she broke several laws as she is alleged to have done, the United States should absolutely do nothing of the sort. She should have a trial and if found guilty serve a reasonable sentence. At this point, this woman owes an apology to the victim of her maltreatment, to the United States for her actions, and to the Indian government for failing to uphold a minimum standard of conduct while representing her country abroad. The only shocking thing here is that so many people can’t recognize who the true victim here is. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/72 "2013-12-18T03:22:54Z")
Item 3 is what got violated here IMHO They should have contacted the consulate’s lawyer and arranged for the woman to come in with the lawyer. Charge her, pay the bail, and quickly release. That would meet the conditions of item 3. Arresting her in public, strip searching and throwing her in a cell violates this rule. > [@](#): > > 1. If criminal proceedings are instituted against a consular officer, he must appear before the competent authorities. Nevertheless, the proceedings shall be conducted with the respect due to him by reason of his official position ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/73 "2013-12-18T03:36:06Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > EDIT - and put them in a cell in Tihar jail here with …rapists. Judging from the news, it would not be difficult to find some. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/74 "2013-12-18T03:38:46Z")
was what she did illegal under Indian law? if so, is strip searching the norm in India for an equivalent crime? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/75 "2013-12-18T04:17:13Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > shocking that people are defending this act by the US Even more shocking to think that anyone in this era would think of defending slavery or holding another person in thrall. Or is the little detail of the reason for the arrest just glossed over in the news in India? ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/76 "2013-12-18T04:27:06Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > shocking that people are defending this act by the US [SouthAfrikanInterpreter] _The Shocker sign_ [/SouthAfrikanInterpreter] ---
**Author:** ![Battle\_Pope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@Battle\_Pope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Battle_Pope)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/77 "2013-12-18T04:30:28Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Judging from the news, it would not be difficult to find some. 🙂 Sure, but I doubt you’d actually find them _in_ jail. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/78 "2013-12-18T05:02:18Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I may have reacted too strongly to this story. It struck a chord within me. I emphasized with the lady who had just dropped her kid off at school. That could be awful, although it doesn’t seem all that bad in context. But the lady who was getting paid peanuts deserves sympathy too. > [@](#): > > She probably thought she had immunity and didn’t. Yeah, she really caught a bad break when it turned out she couldn’t ignore the law she was ignoring. > [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m not sure what wages the US requires for live in domestic help. Free room & board is a substantial benefit in NY. Requiring someone to pay minimum wage wouldn’t make sense. This should be covered in the law. Waitresses aren’t paid minimum wage because they earn tips. Salesman get paid very little because they earn sales commissions. I think in New York you’re required to pay at least minimum wage, plus time and a half for overtime. ([PDF warning.](http://www.labor.ny.gov/legal/laws/pdf/domestic-workers/facts-for-domestic-workers.pdf)) I’m sure there are lots of under the table agreements and who knows what else. And you’re wrong on at least some of the other facts. Servers don’t get a paycheck equal to minimum wage because they get tips, but they do have to get at least the minimum wage. If their wage plus tips doesn’t equal at least minimum wage, their employers have to make up the difference. That often doesn’t happen, and it’s a real problem. You can Google “wage theft.” Room and board is worth something in NYC, but if you’re not being paid enough to live here, that’s not much of a benefit. It’s interesting that Khobragade was just arrested like this, and I’m wondering if there are other issues that brought it to a boil. It sounds like this action has been pending for a while and the Indian government actually wants to arrest the nanny (Richards) and stop her from bringing any action against Khobragade. They’d asked the U.S. to help arrest Richards for “absconding” and perhaps the U.S.’ decision to arrest Khobragade instead is their way of saying they think India is mishandling the matter. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/79 "2013-12-18T05:05:21Z")
Ironically, Khobragade is [known](http://gawker.com/womens-rights-advocate-paid-her-nanny-three-dollars-an-1483881548) as an advocate for the rights of underprivileged women. ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591/80 "2013-12-18T05:10:38Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > Just out of curiosity…what in what sort of official diplomatic functions might a diplomat find immunity useful? Considering some of the bullshit laws countries have against free speech, not having to worry about being locked up for blasphemy or supporting homosexual rights would undoubtedly be appreciated. That’s about as far as I’d go. I don’t think it’s right that she was strip searched, but that goes for anyone in that situation. I think it’s morally wrong that when a French diplomat punched an Israeli soldier, people were criticising the soldier for restraining her. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-authorities-strip-search-indian-diplomat-female/676591.md?page=5)