Daijiworld Media Network

New York, Jun 22 : The credibility of top Indian diplomat Prabhu Dayal is in question ever since, his 45-year-old housemaid, Santosh Bhardwaj has alleged him of  forced labour and sexual abuse.

But, Ravi Batra, Dayal's advocate said, Bhardwaj was receiving salary of US$ 10 per hour as per agreement, and further slammed her for being too greedy, who wanted to turn rich through unscrupulous means. She was staying in USA for about 18 months illegally, he added.

The defendant has been receiving $ 10 an hour as promised. "This fraudster of a woman, seeing dollar signs, has hit on a 'Get Rich Quick' scheme after a year and a half of illegally staying and working in New York. It's a fraudulent defamation of a highly respected and honoured member of the diplomatic corps in New York," he stressed in a statement.

Dayal who has rejected the allegation, clearly asserted that, all the allegations against him are false and malicious, and that is targeted against his reputation.

Earlier, Bhardwaj filed a case against Dayal for making her work for long hours every day, and paying just USD 300 per month.

On the other hand, Bhardwaj's lawyer Holly Pfitsch said "She has been very afraid to do anything given the stature of the defendant in this case... She is doing well and now feels strong enough to bring the suit, but Bhardwaj is still too scared to talk to the media"