Russian Diplomat Allegedly Aided Woman’s Escape: Police

Fast Summary

• Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that Russian embassy counsellor Arthur Gerbst helped Viktoriia Basu flee india unlawfully with her minor son.
• Gerbst arranged a taxi to Narkatiaganj (Bihar), from where she crossed into Nepal, ultimately flying from Kathmandu to Moscow via Sharjah.
• Viktoriia’s departure violated Supreme Court orders, leading the SC bench led by Justice Surya Kant to prompt diplomatic efforts for her repatriation.
• Delhi Police’s status report revealed coordinated actions including cash payments of rs 75,000 by Gerbst and support from accomplices like Sameer Ansari at the India-Nepal border.
• Authorities are pursuing an Interpol blue-corner notice against Viktoriia and investigating Air Arabia for immigration details and payment trails to trace those involved in facilitating her escape.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This case raises significant concerns about diplomatic conduct and India’s legal sovereignty. The involvement of a foreign consular official in aiding an individual’s unlawful departure defies established norms of international diplomacy, questioning mutual respect between nations over judicial rulings. Furthermore, it underscores vulnerabilities in India’s border management and international child custody enforcement mechanisms which require strengthening cooperation with global law enforcement agencies like Interpol. Legal recourse may also necessitate establishing accountability among all implicated parties without escalating geopolitical tensions unnecessarily while ensuring the well-being of the minor involved.

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