A senior German diplomat has stated that Germany is collaborating closely with the Indian government to find a solution acceptable to all parties regarding the case of baby Ariha Shah, who is currently in foster care in Germany.
Georg Enzweiler, the German Deputy Head of Mission, emphasized the ongoing efforts to address India's concerns regarding Ariha Shah's cultural and national identity.
"We are working closely with the Indian government on finding a solution that is acceptable to all sides," Enzweiler told ANI during an event.
India has expressed its desire to ensure the return of Ariha Shah to her linguistic, cultural, and social environment. The Indian government has been engaged in discussions with German authorities regarding the matter.
Ariha Shah's situation arose after an accidental injury caused by her grandmother in September 2021, leading to German authorities taking custody of the child. India has been advocating for her return since then, with the External Affairs Ministry consistently raising the issue with German authorities.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's concern about Ariha Shah's cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of her being acquainted with her own culture while in the custody of Child Services in Germany.
While declining to comment on reports about Prajwal Revanna, a suspended JD-S leader allegedly fleeing to Germany, Enzweiler stated, "No comments on that because I have read this in newspapers but we are not aware of the details of this."
A political controversy has erupted over Prajwal Revanna's case, as he faces charges related to an alleged obscene video and sexual harassment. The Karnataka Police have booked him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code based on complaints by his former housekeeper.
The Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations against Prajwal Revanna, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.
Earlier, the JD(S) core committee recommended the suspension of Prajwal Revanna amid the ongoing legal and political developments surrounding the case.