New York: The request of the lawyer of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade to delay proceeding in the visa fraud case had been denied by the federal judge.
US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan in an order issued on Wednesday, refused to extend the Jan. 13 deadline by which a preliminary hearing must be held or an indictment filed in the case.
The lawyer of Devyani Khobragade, Daniel Arshack, said that it was negatively interfering with plea negotiations with the government in asking Netburn on Monday to extend the deadline.
But Netburn ruled that Arshack had only sought a delay of the preliminary hearing and that such an extension would not alter the deadline for filing an indictment.
Arshack said he and his client are considering their options.
The US Attorney in Manhattan, Preet Bharara, whose office is handling the case, opposed the delay, arguing that plea discussions can continue following indictment in the case.
A spokeswoman for Bharara’s office did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Notify that Devyani Khobragade was deputy consul-general in New York, was arrested on Dec. 12 and charged with one count of visa fraud and one count of making false statements about how much she paid her housekeeper.
However Indian Diplomat has been released on $250,000 bail. India asked to transfer Khobragade to the United Nations, a move that would give her diplomatic status.
Bureau Report
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