On being stopped, the diplomat was seen arguing with the cops about not being aware of such guidelines issued by the government of India. (Photo: Arvind Ojha/India Today)

While India is under a stringent lockdown, some diplomats in Delhi have been found flouting rules of the lockdown and not wearing masks that have been made mandatory by authorities.

On Saturday, a diplomat from the embassy of Uruguay was found cycling on the Paschimi Marg road in Vasant Vihar, where many embassies are situated and also is the residence of many of the diplomats posted in the national capital.

Valentina Obispo, Head of Administration at the Uruguay embassy, was stopped by Delhi Police after they received complaints from the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of some diplomats/foreigners disregarding the seriousness of the situation.

On being stopped, the diplomat was seen arguing with the cops about not being aware of such guidelines issued by the government of India.

This is how the conversation followed:

Cop: “Our MEA has already issued the mandate and you are not following it.

Diplomat: “We didn’t receive anything. You want to see the mail of the embassy. I can show you. We didn’t receive anything!”

Cop: “But, you have to follow the mandate of the government. You are not following the lockdown directive given by the honourable PM of India.”

Diplomat: “Your honourable PM is very honourable, but we didn’t receive anything at the embassy.”

Cop: “You are not obeying the laws and the need of the time.”

On being asked which embassy the diplomat belonged to, Obispo rode off on her bike saying, “You can’t say anything to me. You can’t ask me to wear a mask.”

According to the policemen on duty, the diplomat refused to show her identity card to the officials.

The Delhi Police will be sending an official complaint to the Uruguay embassy regarding the diplomat defying lockdown orders and mandatory requirement of wearing a mask.

The Delhi Police will also be writing to the Ministry of External Affairs about the behaviour of the diplomat and her claim that the embassy has not received any guideline from the ministry.

India Today TV has sought a reaction from the Uruguay Embassy. The story will be updated once they respond.

MEA sources, however, told India Today TV that the ministry has been sending regular advisories to foreign missions about the lockdown and emphasising that they need to stay indoors.

Later, the MEA clarified that the ministry had issued limited curfew passes to the diplomatic community. It advised the diplomats to adhere to lockdown guidelines.

Sources in the ministry said, "The MEA has regularly issued advisories for embassies and its personnel to strictly follow lockdown guidelines. We have issued a very limited number of curfew passes for essential work. We will continue to advise the diplomatic community to adhere to the lockdown guidelines as it is in their interest and well being of each and everyone."

IndiaToday.in has plenty of useful resources that can help you better understand the coronavirus pandemic and protect yourself. Read our comprehensive guide (with information on how the virus spreads, precautions and symptoms), watch an expert debunk myths, check out our data analysis of cases in India, and access our dedicated coronavirus page. Get live updates on our blog.

Watch India Today TV live here. Catch the latest TV debates and video reports here.