Indian Embassy in Rome Embroiled in Harassment Allegations

Dispute Erupts at Indian Embassy in Rome After Confrontation Caught on Video

A confrontation has emerged involving an Indian national, Jaydip Lakhankiya, and the Embassy of India, Rome, after a video circulated on social media showed a heated exchange outside the diplomatic premises.

The video, shared by Lakhankiya, appears to show him engaged in a verbal exchange with an individual believed to be an embassy staff member. The staff member is heard asking Lakhankiya to stop recording and is seen directing others to escort him inside the premises. During the exchange, Lakhankiya can be heard saying, "Do not touch me, this isn’t your street. You are not in India."

The video has been widely shared online, prompting discussion over the interaction and the conduct of both parties. Lakhankiya has alleged that embassy staff subjected him to physical harassment and attempted to intimidate him.

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Lakhankiya stated that he had not intended to enter the embassy and was present only to document his visit. He said he is currently undertaking a journey on foot from Malta to India to raise awareness about climate change and had reached Rome after travelling more than 1,500 kilometres.

The Embassy of India, Rome has rejected Lakhankiya's claims, describing them as "false and fabricated." In a statement on X, the mission acknowledged the circulating video and dismissed the accusations. The embassy stated that the individual had approached the premises but did not comply with standard entry procedures.

"We have seen a video made by a certain Indian national. Claims being made by him are false and fabricated," the mission said. "He had come to the embassy and we were ready to meet him, but he refused to show his identity/passport. We follow some standard security protocols for visitors to the Embassy."

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The mission also stated that it had not disclosed the identity of the individual involved and maintained that its staff acted in accordance with established procedures. Reaffirming its position, the embassy added that it remains focused on supporting Indian nationals abroad. "The Embassy remains committed to offering all possible assistance to Indian nationals. We have a regular outreach to all members of the Indian community," the statement said.