Puri: A foreign national has been spending sleepless nights at a shelter home in Puri for over a month after he was allegedly robbed of his belongings by a taxi driver on January 25. He has, meanwhile, urged the state government to help him return to his nation.
According to sources, the foreign national identified as Anthony Van Arkel belongs to the Netherlands and is currently taking shelter at Niladri Nilaya Shelter Home. On January 25, a taxi driver is reported to have looted all his valuables including a camera, diamond ring, and Rs 6 lakh cash from Anthony.
Acting on a tip-off, Town Police has registered a case in this connection and seized the taxi. However, the driver of the cab is absconding.
Anthony said, “I am from the Netherlands. I came to India on December 18 to visit tourist places. On January 25, a car driver looted all my belongings in Puri. I would like to urge the state government to help me reach Nagpur by February 15 and take a flight to the Netherlands from there.”
Daniel Nayak, a local social activist said “On belalf of Anthony, I urge the government to help him and make him reach his nation safely.”
Puri Superintendent of Police said, “ The Netherlands embassy will be contacted and necessary steps will be taken to nab the accused.”
