Puri: Anthony van Arkel, the Dutch tourist who was stuck in Puri after his belongings were stolen by a taxi driver in the Holy City, will finally return home on Friday. He will leave Puri today for Nagpur and take a flight for The Netherlands from Nagpur on Friday early morning.
The Puri district administration has made necessary arrangements for his travel back home and assured him that it will send his stolen belongings to The Netherlands by courier soon.
Meanwhile, the thief has been finally arrested and is currently being interrogated by the police. The thief has been identified as Sagar Mallik, a resident of Puri.
Anthony came to Puri in January this year and was reportedly robbed by a taxi driver who decamped with cash to the tune of Rs 6 lakh, a diamond ring, and Anthony’s camera. A penniless Anthony registered a complaint with the police. Subsequently, the district administration arranged his lodging at Niladri Nilay – a local shelter home.
Anthony’s plight was brought to the notice of the people when he contacted the media to narrate his ordeal. After his plea for better accommodation, the arrest of the thief, and arranging for his return to The Netherlands, the district administration contacted the Dutch embassy in India and provided accommodation at the OTDC Pantha Nivas.
Before leaving Puri, Anthony thanked the people of Puri and the district administration for their help and support.
