The State Department is denouncing a video that purported to show an Indian diplomat's strip search as a "dangerous" hoax.
The grainy footage posted on a number of overseas websites was labeled as closed-circuit video of Devyani Khobragade, the deputy consul whose arrest on fraud charges has sparked a diplomatic row between the U.S. and India.
During a briefing Friday, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the video was a fake.
"We find it deeply troubling, irresponsible, and reckless, and condemn this dangerous fabrication," she said. "I want to make it very clear that this is not video of her."
Khobragade, who was stationed in New York, is accused of submitting bogus paperwork for a visa for a housekeeper who was allegedly paid less than minimum wage.
The Indian government lodged a protest over her arrest and strip search and said she should have immunity. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed "regret" over how the case was handled but the charges still stand.
