http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Hand-chopping-case-in-Saudi-Arabia-India-will-pursue-justice-for-victim-MEA-says/articleshow/49285308.cms

TNN | Oct 9, 2015, 01.04 PM IST

NEW DELHI: The government will pursue justice for Ms Kasthuri Munirathinam, whose hand was chopped off by her employer in Saudi Arabia, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Friday.

"This incident is deeply disturbing. The victim is currently stable," Swarup said.

Earlier in the day, terming the incident as "unacceptable", external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said the matter has been taken up with Saudi authorities.

"We are very much disturbed over the brutal manner in which Indian lady has been treated in Saudi Arabia," Swaraj said on Friday.

The minister said Indian embassy is in touch with the victim, 55-year-old Kashturi Munirathinam.

Condemning the incident in strong words, Swaraj said on Twitter, "This is unacceptable. We have taken this up with Saudi authorities."

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India has demanded that a case of attempted murder be lodged against the culprit.

The family of the woman, working as a domestic help in Saudi Arabia, has alleged that her right hand was chopped off by her employer when she tried to escape harassment and torture.

"This is a very unfortunate and most condemnable incident.

"Our embassy in Riyadh has taken up the matter with the Saudi Foreign Office and asked for strict action in the matter and severe punishment for the sponsor. We have also sought an independent probe in the incident and urged that a case of attempted murder be lodged against the sponsor so that he is punished, if found guilty as per law," Vikas Swarup said.

Munirathinam is currently being looked after in a Saudi hospital.

(With inputs from agencies)

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