German child welfare body took custody of Ariha Shah in 2021, alleging sexual abuse & negligence. While criminal case against parents was closed, custody battle is ongoing.
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called for Germany to return Ariha Shah, a two-year-old toddler and Indian national, after she was separated from her parents by German child protection authorities nearly two years ago.
The case dates back to 2021, when the German authorities took custody of Ariha after she was allegedly accidentally hurt by her grandmother. Although a criminal investigation has since been closed without charges, a custody battle is ongoing between her parents and Berlin Child Services. A verdict from a German court is expected on 15 June, ThePrint has learnt.
While the Ariha is currently living with a 62-year-old foster mother, her parents have been given visitation rights.
During a briefing Friday, an MEA spokesperson said the Indian embassy in Berlin has repeatedly asked the German authorities to ensure that Ariha’s connection with her cultural, religious and linguistic background is not compromised. It has also “sought consular access to the child as well as cultural immersion at the Indian Cultural Centre in Berlin”.
“Unfortunately, our requests in this regard for safeguarding Ariha’s national and cultural identity have not been met,” he added, while urging German authorities to return Ariha to India “at the earliest”.
ThePrint reached the German embassy in Delhi for comment, but had not received a response at the time of publication. This report will be updated if and when a response is received.
Speaking to ThePrint over the telephone Friday, the child’s mother, Dhara Shah, said she, her husband Bhavesh Shah and their lawyer have been in Germany fighting the case and that she temporarily returned to Mumbai, where they are based, 10 days ago.
“My husband and I are also worried about our own visas, which will be expiring soon. This is another request to the German authorities and Indian foreign ministry to please ensure that our visas are extended so we can continue to fight this case,” Dhara told ThePrint.