"The Deputy Consul General (later) received a phone call from a lawyer who refused to identify himself and offered to settle the matter that would result in grant of permanent citizenship to her and a huge compensation. It became clear that this was a conspiracy and some people trapped her," he said, adding the treatment meted out to Khobragade had "not happened out of blue" and there is a "history" behind it.
Significantly, the family of the maid, Sangeeta Richard, was granted visa by the US embassy despite India being in touch with Americans since her disappearance and cancellation of her official passport in June. The family - Sangeeta's husband Philip and two children- left for New York on December 10, just two days before Khobragade was arrested.
Even though the US government feigned ignorance, it may have been aware about the whereabouts of Sangeeta Richard.
Officials in the government here wonder the husband's exit from India was facilitated deliberately before Khobragade's arrest to make him unreachable to the Indian authorities.
