Expelled Indian diplomat returns home ''disappointed''

Wagah, Aug 7 (UNI) A disappointed Indian diplomat Deepak Kaul, who was expelled by Pakistan on espionage charges and returned home today, said that no diplomat of any country should be meted out the shabby treatment which I was subjected to.'' Mr Kaul crossed over into India this evening at 1815 hours just before the expiry of the 48-hour notice given to him by Islamabad to leave the country.

In a brief interaction with mediapersons at at this border checkpost, a relieved but exhausted looking Mr Kaul denied the allegations levelled by Pakistan as ''outrageous'' and termed his detention as ''undiplomatic.'' When asked whether he was tortured during his detention, Mr Kaul said ''yes''but did not elaborate ''I was detained for five hours and it was a frightful experience,'' he added.

Mr Kaul, who entered into Indian territory from this road link in a vehicle belonging to the Indian High Commission at Islamabad, was accompanied by the driver and another HC official. His family, which was to join him, stayed back in India after they were conveyed the news of his detention and expulsion.

After a ten-minute halt at the check post, the vehicle sped away towards Amritsar en route to Delhi. Senior Border Security Force (BSF) officials were present at the check post when the diplomat arrived.

MORE UNI XC JN HS VD KP2102