Kuwait, India in row over royal family flat

Sheikha Fadia al-Sabah sent a message to Indian authorities via diplomatic channels, asking them to take legal measures against those who carried out a scam in connection with a flat in a building owned by the Kuwaiti ruling family in Mumbai. She said the incident could force the Kuwaiti government to review its ties with India, noting that India could face international sanctions if it did not take the necessary measures in this regard. Faisal Essa, consul general of Kuwait in India since 1990, has petitioned the Bombay High Court to take action over claims a developer Sanjay Punamiya allegedly used forged documents to obtain tenancy rights to a 7,500 sqft apartment and office space owned by the royal family. Following an initial investigation Indian police dismissed the case as a civil dispute. Punamiya then lodged a separate police complaint, alleging Essa had pointed a gun at him and threatened him. This resulted in an Indian magistrate in February filing a case against the Kuwait diplomat. Essa claims Indian police has showed bias towards Punamiya. The police have denied the allegations. The Indian government have highlighted the need for prompt resolution in the case. India\'s Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a press release that the Indian-Kuwaiti relations are strong and historic, adding that he would not allow anyone to undermine them. He clarified that he followed the news about the building owned by the Kuwaiti ruling family, but denounced any accusations towards Indian police. He pledged to review the measures that will be taken.