Puri: A Dutch national, Anthony Van Arkel, has found himself stranded in Puri for over a month, enduring sleepless nights at a shelter home after allegedly being robbed by a taxi driver on January 25. The incident, which has left Anthony without his valuables including a camera, diamond ring, and Rs 6 lakh in cash, has prompted him to appeal to the state government for assistance in returning to his home country.
Anthony, currently seeking refuge at the Niladri Nilaya Shelter Home, recounts the unfortunate event where he fell victim to a robbery perpetrated by a taxi driver while in Puri. Expressing his distress, he stated, “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.” His plea to the authorities is to facilitate his journey to Nagpur by February 15, from where he intends to catch a flight back to the Netherlands.
Local social activist Daniel Nayak has echoed Anthony’s appeal, urging the government to intervene and ensure the safe repatriation of the stranded tourist. Nayak emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for swift action to alleviate Anthony’s plight.
Responding to the matter, the Puri Superintendent of Police assured that appropriate measures would be taken to address the incident. “The Netherlands embassy will be contacted, and necessary steps will be taken to nab the accused,” stated the Superintendent of Police, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and diplomatic authorities in resolving such cases.
