Video of a New York officer yelling at a visa applicant goes viral

Team Udayavani, Dec 3, 2021, 11:32 AM IST

The Consul General of India in New York has taken action against an officer after a video of him screaming at a visa applicant went viral on social media. The video was released in the last week of November, and the Consul General promised an inquiry at the time.

As the video went viral on social media, netizens too shared their visa problems.

The incident occurred on November 24, according to sources, when an Indian woman in New York went for visa processing. She revealed that her father died the day before, but the officer returned her application and added, ‘take your money.’

Pointing his finger, the official was seen saying, “Just keep your money and go out.”

When questioned if any paperwork was missing, the personnel reportedly refused to answer and went inside. The entire incident was captured on the phone of the woman’s companion, who was later informed by an official that they were not permitted to use the camera inside the consulate, according to the video.

Disgusting rude behaviour by an Indian consulate officer in New York towards a woman applying for a visa to perform the last rites of her father. Who does he think he is. He's a govt SERVANT hired to serve Indians not screw Indians. @IndianEmbassyUS @IndiainNewYork @DrSJaishankar pic.twitter.com/dLle0LPhIP

— Rakesh Krishnan Simha (@ByRakeshSimha) November 26, 2021

“We have taken note of the complaint. The Consulate maintains the highest standards of public service. This particular incident does not reflect either its norms or its guideline of public functioning. The Consul General has personally reviewed the matter. based on the information presented, it has been decided to institute disciplinary proceedings against the officer,” the consulate issued a statement.

In response to media queries on a video being circulated on Social Media.@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @IndianEmbassyUS @MOS_MEA @M_Lekhi @RanjanRajkuma11 pic.twitter.com/QGf14u54wY

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) November 26, 2021

“Visas were issued to the applicants expeditiously. Full facts in the case, including the conduct of all parties involved, are being reviewed by the Consul General. We remain committed to efficient and courteous consular services at all times, as we have been delivering these through the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19,” the Consulate said.