Under-fire Indian envoy 'takes leave'

Embattled Indian High Commissioner Harish Kumar Dogra is still refusing orders to surrender his post - but has gone on extended leave, it was reported at the weekend.

Mr Dogra, the focus of complaints from some sections of the Indian community in New Zealand about visa delays, had refused to accept his recall over a month ago and accused the Indian Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran, of "impropriety".

In two letters which were widely reported by the media in New Zealand and India, he demanded that Mr Saran prove charges against him or resign.

However, the Deccan Herald quoted official sources as saying Mr Dogra had handed over charge to his deputy and taken extended leave until Mr Saran's retirement in September.

The paper reported that the External Affairs Ministry threatened him with disciplinary action after the contents of his letter to Mr Saran were reported in the New Zealand media.

Mr Dogra has accused Mr Saran of violating rules and his human rights and challenged him to prove the charges. He has also approached India's Central Administrative Tribunal to protest the "arbitrary manner" in which he has been treated.

Mr Dogra's wife, Neeta Dogra, confirmed to the Dominion Post on Sunday that her husband was on leave. She had handed in her diplomatic passport last month in protest at the recall and she and her husband were considering vacating the high commissioner's residence.

Last month, more than 30 people from the Sikh community staged a protest in Wellington in support of Mr Dogra.

- NZPA