Puri: Andrei Glagoliv, the Russian tourist who was earlier seen begging in front of Puri Srimandir in December last year has been sent to the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.
The Puri district tourism department today made all arrangements to send off Andrei by Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Purushottam Express.
Official sources said, Andrei is likely to attend a hearing on his Visa plea at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees on January 8.
“After rescuing the foreign national, we had kept him at our shelter centre in Puri. We have booked a ticket and also given him Rs 4,300 in cash. During his stay at Puri, we have spent nearly Rs 9000 from the tourism fund for his expenses. Puri SP has also asked the RPF to ensure that Andrei reaches Delhi safely. The High Commission has told us that if the Russian's visa is cancelled then they will make arrangements to send him back to Russia.” said District Tourism Officer, Bijay Kumar Jena.
On the other hand, Andrei has expressed his willingness to permanently settle in India.
“India is a very beautiful country. I feel very good and satisfied with government of Puri for all the treatment and help they provided me,” he said.
The Russian national also stated that, “We are Christians so in Russia we are not allowed to worship Hindu Gods but I like worshiping Lord Shiva and Krishna. I like Puri and people here are very kind. I will be back in Puri and try to settle here."
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