India comes to Norway NRI couple's aid

India on Saturday said it has taken up with Norway the issue of Norwegian authorities taking away two children of an NRI couple, who have also been advised to take legal recourse as the matter is subjudice.

India on Saturday said it has taken up with Norway the issue of Norwegian authorities taking away two children of an NRI couple, who have also been advised to take legal recourse as the matter is subjudice.

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"The ministry of foreign affairs of Norway has been sensitised about the matter informally," external affairs ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said.

The move come in the wake of reports that an NRI couple based in Norway had accused a government agency in that country of taking away their two infants, claiming that there was an "emotional disconnect" between them and their mother.

Prakash said the ministry of external affairs has also taken up the matter with the Norwegian embassy in New Delhi.

Norwegian Child Welfare Services -- Barnevarne -- had taken two infants of Anurup Bhattacharya, based in Stavanger, Norway, under protective care.

"Barnevarne has placed them in foster parental care as per the directive of the local Norwegian court, mandated under Norwegian laws," the spokesman said.

"The matter is subjudice and Mr. Bhattacharya has been advised to take suitable legal recourse," Prakash said.

The embassy of India in Oslo has been in contact with the Indian couple in question and the Norwegian authorities, he said.

The ministry of external affairs will continue to monitor the situation and the embassy of India in Oslo has been and will continue to extend all possible consular assistance to Bhattacharya and his wife, Prakash said.