The Russian Consulate General in Kolkata has alleged that its diplomatic vehicle was stopped and subjected to attempted inspection by the police on two occasions this week, despite being informed of its diplomatic status. The first incident reportedly occurred on April 14 at the intersection of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road and Rash Behari Avenue, and the second on April 16 at the Chetla Road Kalighat Road crossing.

In a letter, the Consulate alleged that law enforcement personnel attempted to “forcefully inspect” the vehicle, bearing licence plate number 15-CC-2856. It described the incidents as a violation of the Vienna Convention, which grants immunity from search to diplomatic vehicles, urging the Ministry of External Affairs to take necessary action.

In response to the complaint, the Kolkata Branch Secretariat of the MEA escalated the matter to the state government, after which IAS Avadh Singhal, OSD & Under Secretary, issued an official communication to the top police, traffic and security officials on April 17. Consequently, the Joint Commissioner Of Police Headquarters instructed the officials that Consulate General’s vehicles should not be checked.