The Ministry of External Affairs, according to sources has clarified on Monday that the Indian Ambassador to Austria Renu Pall has been recalled back to New Delhi, as part of a routine administrative task, upon completion of her tenure. They also pointed that there were various procedures to deal with alleged financial irregularities.
According to various media reports that emerged on Monday, the envoy was recalled back to Delhi due to various financial irregularities that were investigated upon.
Renu Pall, a 1987 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service has been accused of renting a private apartment for herself which cost around Rs 15 Lakhs every month.This was done without taking the government approval.
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Secondly, irregularities while claiming refunds related to Value Added Tax was also detected by agencies involved in the probe.
It came to the notice of The Central Vigilance Commission who then asked the Ministry of External Affairs to conduct an inquiry. The team visited Austria in the month of September and conducted their inquiry. In their report submitted, they Prima facie found evidence of wrong doing.
Ms Pall, whose tenure is ending by the end of December 2019 was recalled on December 9th and has returned last Sunday. The ministry also has restrained her from executing any financial or administrative work.