A couple from Kerala faced a horrifying experience during their trip to Italy when they lost their passport, credit cards, and cash to pickpockets. Jothydev Kesavadev and Sunitha were at Milan Central Station, set to board a train to Florence to attend a lecture when they lost their valuables. Sharing the details of the incident to X (Twitter), Kesavadev, a physician and researcher, said that the experience was 'scary and fearful'. The couple sought the help of MP Shashi Tharoor, whom they know personally, and contacted the Indian Consulate in Italy and the Italian Police to secure emergency passports.
Kesavadev's tweet has gone viral on social media and numerous netizens have shared their similar experiences in the comment section. Several users also lauded the Indian Consulate for their speedy action in providing emergency passports and safeguarding the couple.
Kerala Couple Share Experience
Jothydev Kesavadev shared on X that on March 5 at around 6:20 pm, he and his wife were entering the Milan Central Station in Italy when a " tall, lean African-American man" shoved Kesavadev and tripped him over. "His large trolley bag hit my right knee and I almost fell down. My wife, out of shock forgot the surroundings and bent down to help me out. When I looked back I saw a woman passing by her and then the woman and the man disappeared instantly," he wrote in the post.
Since the couple was getting late to board their train to Florence, they carried on, only to find out later that their wallet containing their passports, credit cards, and cash was missing. He wrote, "We were directed to go upstairs to the Italian police department. It was not an easy task. After a long wait (police were attending to other cases), we were called inside. The police officer on duty was very kind and considerate and prepared a very detailed FIR. He asked us to contact the Indian Consulate in Milan."
The police officer told the Indian tourists that such theft cases against tourists are common, however, their valuables are seldom recovered. Kesavadev said that he then got a message from his bank, regarding a transaction. "Within 30 minutes of losing the wallet, the thieves tried using both the debit and credit cards. Fortunately lost only 28 euros. With plenty of CCTV cameras around and the exact time and location provided, isn’t it easy to catch the thieves?" Kesavadev interrogated.
The couple who was on the way to Florence for a lecture had to stall their trip. They stayed at a hotel in Milan and contacted MP Shashi Tharoor for help the next morning. "Early morning I messaged our family friend and MP, Shri.Shashi Tharoor. His response was quick and powerful. Immense gratitude to SC. He immediately informed the Indian consulate in Italy and by 9:00 AM I received a call from there. Consulate General Shri. Atul Chawhan consoled us and promised an emergency passport for both of us," he wrote.
The physician thanked Tharoor and the Consulate for their quick action in helping them through the "scary and fearful experience." Kesavadev noted that such cases of theft are extremely common in countries that attract tourists and shared that he posted the incident to social media to raise more awareness. "Whether you are a traveller or not, inexperienced or experienced, (this) could be of some help," he wrote.
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