Woman fencer Rupaiya Devi, who had gone missing in Ireland earlier this week, has sought asylum in the United Kingdom.

Rupaiya, who was part of the Indian team that went to Ireland to participate in an event, has requested the Ireland police to get her asylum in the UK on grounds that it would not be safe for her to return to India.

In a communique received by the Fencing Federation of India's secretary general, Arun Kumar Vij, his Irish counterpart Ian Sneddon said that from the contact numbers provided by the FFI, the Ireland police were able to trace Rupaiya Devi.

Following latest revelations, the matter is now being referred to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the Irish government.

Detective sergeant Derek Martin, who is investigating the matter, will submit a report to his superiors for further course of action.

Meanwhile, the FFI has decided to debar Rupaiya Devi. It has also written to the UK authorities not to grant asylum to the fencer, stating that Rupaiya's visit to Ireland was sponsored by the Government of India and FFI and hence she should not be allowed to stay back.

The FFI has also decided to take action against the coach for having handed over her passport to her.