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France institutes probe into maid case

The case of the Indian maid in Paris is getting more and more curious. The French authorities have now ordered an inquiry by a judicial officer into the case of Lalita Oraon, who claimed to have been maltreated by an officer of the Indian high commission in Paris, Amit Lugum, and his wife.

The parquet (public prosecutor) had earlier examined the case and submitted his report. Now, the French authorities have ordered another inquiry by a higher-level officer.

In New Delhi, the external affairs ministry refused to comment on the matter. "This is as per the French law and procedures and every government will follow its own procedures. We respect that," said a spokesman.

But he reiterated that the matter was private and should be seen in that context.

He also spoke of the "excellent Indo-French relations" which, he insisted, would not be affected by this incident. "We are co-operating with the French on the matter," he said.

"We are waiting for the result of the inquiry before we make any comment on the case. An investigation is on and nothing should prejudice the same by our comments," the spokesman said.

He also said natural justice required that no judgment be passed on the case until the French authorities had given their verdict.

Oraon's case has been taken up by a French anti-slavery non-governmental organisation, the CCEM. The Comite Contre L'Esclavage Modern (Committee Against Modern Slavery) claims that Oraon was sexually assaulted and her genitals cut to prevent her getting pregnant.

The Indian authorities in France have still not been allowed access to Oraon, who is in a French hospital. Asked why despite the "excellent Indo-French relations" no Indian is being allowed to meet her, the spokesman replied, "We remain in touch with the French authorities."

Some confusion persists about whether Oraon has any external injuries. Earlier, the French medical authorities had informed the Indian embassy in Paris that she was not injured. But later the French government claimed that Oraon had suffered some injuries on her private parts.

The external affairs ministry was unable to explain the two different statements, and said it is awaiting the final verdict.

"I can only request you in the media not to speculate on the case as is being done in the West. Let us not judge anyone while the jury is still out on the case," the spokesman pleaded.

There is also some confusion about Oraon's age. Indian officials maintained that she is 19 years old, while the French now claim she is only 17.

Amit Lugum, who is an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1989 batch, continues in service in Paris. While it was initially said that an Indian senior officer, reportedly Additional Secretary Pravin Goel, would go to France to inquire into the matter, so far he has not left from New Delhi. "We have not found it necessary to send anyone at this juncture. We may send him later if the need arises," said the spokesman.

According to the ministry, Lugum and his wife were on the verge of sacking Lalita Oraon, who hails from south Bihar, and sending her back to India when she suddenly left their apartment. She was found wandering on the streets of Paris on September 5 with a knife in hand. Oraon had been in the Lugums' employ for about eight months.

Besides snowballing into a major controversy in Paris, the issue is being fiercely debated in India. Fingers are being pointed at the diplomatic corps for its colonial attitude and uncaring ways, while Foreign Service officials are blaming overzealous western NGOs for blowing the case out of proportion.

And while the external affairs ministry is not saying it, it is clear that many officials are rather upset at being denied access to Oraon and being treated as guilty even before the verdict is out. Incidentally, even Indian media personnel have not been allowed to meet Oraon though the French media has already met her.

Earlier report

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