Sushma Swaraj Promises Help to Russian Tourist Seen Begging

Evangelin, a 24-year-old Russian backpacker who was touring Tamil Nadu, was found seeking alms at a temple in Kancheepuram after his ATM PIN got locked.

Evangelin failed to withdraw money and was found sitting at the entrance of the Kumarakottam Sri Subramanya Swami temple with his backpack, using his cap to ask for alms, according to the police. The devotees who thronged the temple gave him money, but were bewildered at the sight of a foreigner asking for cash. They alerted the police.

The police said they gave him some money after perusing his travel documents, and told him to go to Chennai and contact the Russian Consulate officials for help.

After the matter was reported in the media, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stepped in on Oct. 11, and tweeted: “Evangelin – Your country Russia is our time tested friend. My officials in Chennai will provide you all help.”

Evangelin – Your country Russia is our time tested friend. My officials in Chennai will provide you all help. https://t.co/6bPv7MFomI

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 10, 2017

Evangelin has been in India since Sept. 24 and came to Kancheepuram on Oct. 10 from Chennai. He was visiting a few religious sites when he went to an ATM near Kumarakottam temple, where his passcode got locked.