Radio-trackers “standard procedure”: US Embassy

The United States Embassy here on Monday justified the use of ankle monitors on defrauded Indian students calling it a standard procedure for investigations and not an implication of guilt or suspicion of criminal activity.

Following reports and footage that Indian students, duped by a sham university in California, were made to wear radio-trackers on foot, an angry reaction was sent from the Indian External Affairs Ministry on Sunday.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had called it “an insult to injury” of the students who were duped by the Tri-Valley University.

“It was avoidable,” he had said while his ministry issued a statement.

Clarifying their actions, the Embassy in an official statement said, ?Some of those involved in the Tri-Valley investigation have been issued ankle monitors. Use of ankle monitors is widespread across the United States and standard procedure for a variety of investigations, and does not necessarily imply guilt or suspicion of criminal activity.

“An ankle monitor sends a radio frequency signal containing location and other information to a receiver. It allows for freedom of movement and is a positive alternative to confinement during a pending investigation,? it added.

The Embassy asserted that the U.S. government welcomes all legitimate students wishing to study in the United States, and strongly encourages prospective students to protect themselves from predatory visa fraud rings and fraudulent document vendors.

The statement added, ?The Department of State takes allegations of immigration and visa fraud very seriously, and the Tri-Valley University fraud allegations are an excellent example of the universally damaging effects of visa fraud”

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have established a helpline for the Indian students affected by the closure of Tri-Valley University in California, which any affected student may call to seek help,? they said.

According to the statement, the Department of Homeland Security?s Immigration and Customs Enforcement division (DHSICE) is leading the investigation of the case.

The U.S. Embassy offered to provide extensive educational advising resources and take initiatives for prospective students to avoid fraudulent document vendors and diploma mills.

Of the nearly 1,555 students of Tri-Valley University, an overwhelming 90 percent are from India, especially Andhra Pradesh.

Following the closure of the university, the students face deportation.