'Allegations against Prabhu Dayal motivated'

In an official statement, a spokesperson representing Prabhu Dayal, the embattled Indian Council general in New York, said that the allegations made against him were untrue.

"We are disappointed and surprised at the allegations against Consul General of India in New York, Mr Prabhu Dayal, by his former employee, which appear to be motivated and baseless.

Mr Prabhu Dayal is a senior diplomat of impeccable personal and professional integrity. We are disappointed and deeply concerned that Indian diplomats and their family members, should be targetted in such a manner in a friendly country such as the United States of America.

"Such actions impede the ability of the individuals in question to discharge their official responsibilities, as well as, cause untold mental harassment and anguish. They cannot be dismissed lightly. The treatment being meted out to Indian diplomats or their family members, has resulted in negative public perceptions in India with attendant implications."