A rude shock, says Counsel General in Durban

The family of Shashank Vikram, Indian Consul General in Durban, South Africa, went through an ordeal last Thursday when armed robbers entered their house and held them at gun point demanding money, according to local media reports.

According to South African newspaper The Post, eight armed robbers broke the security of India House, official residence of the Consul General in Morningside and pointed a gun at Dr. Vikram’s wife and briefly held their five-year-old son hostage.

“They took my youngest son hostage and also beat up my staff and they showed their guns to my wife… We are still trying to come to terms about what has happened... Durban is home to us and we are very comfortable here... That is why I think it has come as a very rude shock. This is the first time India House has been intruded like this,” Dr. Vikram was quoted by The Post. He said it took 15 minutes for armed response to arrive after the alarm was activated and that too after he called them.

The robbers entered the house after overpowering the private security guard, managed to break open a series of doors with a crowbar and demanded money and gold. While Dr. Vikram was away on work, his wife Dr. Megha Singh and two sons were at home. The robbers managed to escape by the time security arrived.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Dr. Vikram and enquired about the well-being of his family. “Ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomats/officials posted abroad, and their families is a matter of highest priority for us.,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.