Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai has been directed to personally investigate the allegations of harassment by scores of Indian professionals who were detained Sunday o­n suspicion of being illegal immigrants.

Acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who issued the directive, said he had instructed the police chief to submit a report to him o­n the incident by next week.

He said the allegations were "serious" and could impair the "the excellent bilateral relations we have with India".