Nothing wrong in Meera Shankar 'pat-down', says US

Washington, Dec 10: Despite of Indian fury, United States government officials said that the 'pat-down' of the Indian ambassador to the United States, Meera Shankar, was a part of routine screening in all US airports.

US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that she looked into the matter and found nothing new in it. She added that diplomats are subject to the same basic screening as other passengers at US airports.

"It was a pat-down that followed our procedures, and I think it was appropriate under the circumstances," Napolitano said.

"I think what was done by the ... officer was done appropriately and by the book," she added.

Meera Shankar was subjected to a pat-down when she was leaving from Jackson-Evers International Airport after attending a function in Mississippi State University. Despite of her diplomatic status, she was pulled up for apparently wearing a sari.

Later, Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna slammed US for the unpleasant incident by saying it as "unacceptable" and said that he will take up the matter to US government.

OneIndia News