NEW DELHI: Three Israeli diplomats allegedly assaulted an immigration officer at IGI airport on Saturday because he was taking a long time to clear passengers.

One of the diplomats is alleged to have slapped the official while his two colleagues roughed him up. The three, believed to be junior-level officials, were charged with assault and questioned by the IGI police . They couldn't be arrested because of diplomatic immunity, police said.

The young diplomats were at the immigration counter, waiting to travel to Kathmandu. IGI officials said there was a rush and the diplomats came up to the counter of Somveer and asked him to hurry up.

The Israelis reportedly got upset when immigration officers asked them to wait. Soon an altercation broke out and the trio accused Somveer of delaying them. As heated words were being exchanged, the diplomats turned violent and beat up Somveer, police said.

The IGI police then detained the diplomats and questioned them. They said they were headed for Nepal on a diplomatic mission and were upset due to the delay. The cops also recovered the CCTV footage to verify their versions.

A case under IPC 186 (obstructing a public servant from discharge of duty) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) has been registered. "We have contacted the Israeli embassyto help us proceed with the case," said M I Haider, DCP, IGI airport. Officials said the diplomats would be called again for questioning once the cops get clearance from the Centre.

