NEW DELHI: External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday expressed outrage over reports of a Saudi sponsor chopping off an Indian maid's hand.

"We are very much disturbed over brutal manner in which Indian lady has been treated in Saudi Arabia. This is unacceptable. We have taken this up with Saudi authorities. Our embassy is in touch with the victim," Sushma said.

Kashturi Munirathinam, working as a domestic help in Saudi Arabia, has alleged that her right hand was chopped off by her employer when she tried to escape harassment and torture.

Saudi Arabian officials have arrested a Saudi woman.

Officials with the Indian embassy in Riyadh took up the case with Saudi authorities at the highest level after learning that the employer of Kasthuri Munirathnam severed the maid's right arm after she complained to officials that the family she was working for ill-treated her.

Kasthuri was in a critical condition but has stabilised and doctors are treating her in Kingdom Hospital in Riyadh.

Anil Nautiyal, first secretary (labour) at the Indian embassy in Riyadh, said the mission is pursuing the case with the Saudi Arabian ministry of foreign affairs.

Kasthuri's son Mohan told TOI from Vellore that his mother Kasthuri sustained severe injuries in the attack by the woman of the house, whose name Saudi authorities have withheld.

A video on a social networking site shows Kasthuri in tears as she recalls the brutal attack. "I pleaded with the lady not to harm me but she kicked me, punched me and cut off my arm," she said. "I want to go back home. Please help me."

Mohan, a mason, said his mother left for Saudi Arabia two years ago to support the family, which consists of an ailing husband, three daughters and a son, even though he tried to persuade her against going to that country. Kasthuri first worked for a family in Damam and later moved to the house in Riyadh.

