Days after the tragic suicide of an Indian national in New York, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed grief over the incident and said that the Indian Embassy and consulate are in constant touch with the family of Mandeep Kaur and local authorities. Speaking about the same, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also said that Indian Embassy in Washington DC has assured of appropriate action.


A woman identified as Mandeep Kaur died by suicide on August 3 and hours before ending her life she posted a video on Instagram where she alleged that she was tortured by her husband Ranjotveer Singh Sandhu.


"Suicide of Mandeep Kaur, living in New York, was very tragic. Our Consulate in New York is in touch with the local authorities, police, family and the Indian community. Our Embassy in Washington DC is in contact with US authorities, who assured us of appropriate action," news agency ANI quoted Bagchi as saying during a press conference earlier in the day.


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"Our Embassy and consulate in New York are trying their best effort in the investigation and will give assistance to the family members. They are in touch with family members and close contacts," Bagchi said.


MEA's reaction came a day after Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) wrote to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar seeking immediate action in the suicide case of Mandeep Kaur, who died by suicide in New York due to domestic violence.


In her letter, DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal demanded that the woman's mortal remains be repatriated to her family in India and a team of psychologists, social workers and police officers meet her children and ascertain their condition.


A report on the same be submitted before a Judicial Magistrate, who should be requested to examine the matter and suggest steps for the welfare of the children. The same should be carried out urgently, she said in the letter.


"All consulates and NGOs should be asked to get in touch with NRI women and in case any of them is a victim of domestic violence, requisite help should be provided," she said, IANS reported.


The thirty-two year-old Kaur had recorded a video recounting the abuses she suffered at the hands of her husband before taking the extreme step. 


She was married to him in 2015 and moved to New York in 2018. After the marriage, she was harassed by her husband and in-laws for not giving birth to a male child and for not getting "enough" dowry.


(With inputs from agencies.)