Russian Consulate says tourist who sought alms in Kancheepuram did not respond to call

Chennai: A Russian tourist who resorted to seeking alms at the temple town of Kancheepuram near Chennai after his ATM pin got locked did not answer a call to his mobile to offer assistance, a Consulate official said on Wednesday. [caption id=“attachment_4083289” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. AP[/caption] “He did not answer our call when we contacted him on his mobile,” Vice-Consul, Russian Consulate, Yury S Belov told PTI. He said the consulate did not receive any call from him either and added that if they were contacted,“we will assist him in a proper way.” Evangelin, a Russian tourist had sought alms yesterday after he could not draw money with his ATM card as the PIN number got locked, police had said. The 24-year old arrived at the Kumarakottam Sri Subramanya Swami temple in Kancheepuram and sat at the entrance with his backpack and sought alms using his cap. Though devotees gave him money, they were surprised to see a foreigner seeking alms and alerted police, who found his travel documents in order with a valid passport and visa. Police gave him some money and advised him to go to Chennai and contact Russian Consulate officials to get help. Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had tweeted on Tuesday, “Evangelin - Your country Russia is our time-tested friend. My officials in Chennai will provide you all help.”