Madurai

According to sources, a pilgrim from the northern state, aged around 50, reached Ramanathapuram bus stand to go to Tiruchy. Passengers and others at the bus stand were scared as they mistook the man for a Chinese national because of his facial appearance. Fearing COVID-19 spread, some locals objected and asked him not to board the bus. On information, Kottaisamy, sub-inspector of Kenikarai station, rushed to the spot, pacified the locals and helped him board a bus to Chennai, Ramanathapuram SP V Varun Kumar said.

Ramanathapuram Town DSP, Velladurai, when contacted, said the issue was sorted out and no case has been registered in connection with the incident.

Kottaisamy said that the pilgrim had stayed in a chatram in Rameswaram. With the help of a tea shop worker, who knew Hindi, the SI found out that the pilgrim wanted to travel to Puri in Odisha to visit the Jagannath Temple. The police then checked the pilgrim’s bag that had Bhagavad Gita book, a sloka book, a spoon and two more utensils, besides some cash. However, the pilgrim did not carry his Aadhaar card.

The pilgrim with the assistance of the time keeper at the bus stand was accommodated in a bus bound for Chennai, the SI said.

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