Diplomats on Taj trip allege harassment by CISF officials

Three German diplomats have lodged a complaint against CISF officials posted at the Taj Mahal for allegedly manhandling them and keeping them illegally in custody for over half an hour.

The Centre has initiated an inquiry after a written complaint by the German Embassy. Christina Martin, Katherina Martin and their friend, who visited the Taj on August 13, left their bags with security guard Munawwar Ali, the monument’s security in-charge. While leaving, they were reportedly stopped by Ali and another man in plain clothes. The duo asked for entry tickets and alleged the diplomats had bought the wrong tickets.

They allegedly refused to accept the visitors’ explanation that their diplomatic status entitles them to normal tickets of Rs 20, valid only for Indians. CISF Deputy Commandant Himanshu Pandey at Agra was not available for comment. Ali blamed the incident on language barrier.