Sushma tweets help to Russian man found begging

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reached out to help a Russian, who came on a tour to India, but had to beg for alms in Tamil Nadu.

Sushma asked officials of the Ministry of External Affairs to extend all sort of assistance to the Russian youth, A Evangelin, who had to beg for alms in front of the Sri Kumarakottam temple at Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu after his ATM debit card was blocked.

“Evangelin - Your country Russia is our time-tested friend. My officials in Chennai will provide you with all help,” Sushma posted on Twitter, reacting to media reports about the plight of the 24-year-old foreign national.

Evangelin, who has a valid passport and visa, has been on a tour to India since September 24. He travelled to Kancheepuram from Chennai on Tuesday.

But when Evangelin went to an ATM kiosk to withdraw money, he found that the PIN of his debit card was locked. He could not draw cash from the ATM. He then sat in front of the temple and started begging.

The local police later brought him to the station and also gave him money to get to Chennai.