Russian tourist begs in Kancheepuram temple, police help him

The tourist who has been identified only by his first name Evangelin, came to Kumarakottam Sri Subramanya Swami temple and sat at the gate with his backpack and sought alms using his cap.

Kancheepuram, October 11: A 24-year-old Russian, left with no money, started begging at a temple in Kancheepuram after he could not withdraw money using his bank ATM card as the PIN got locked.

The tourist who has been identified only by his first name Evangelin, came to Kumarakottam Sri Subramanya Swami temple and sat at the gate with his backpack and sought alms using his cap.

The devotees were surprised to see a foreigner seeking alms and alerted the police, an officer said, adding he was taken to a police station where they checked his travel documents.

The police said his travel documents were in order and he had a valid visa till next month. The tourist told police that as a last resort he sought alms since he was left with no money. He could not withdraw money using his ATM card since the PIN got locked, he said.

Police arranged money for the Russian and asked him to contact consulate officials in Chennai for help.

PTI