Utterly Shaken: Kerala Doctor’s Harrowing Ordeal as Pickpockets Strike in Italy, Stripping Money and Passport –
Kerala Couple’s Nightmare in Milan
Jothydev Kesavadev, a renowned physician and diabetes researcher from Kerala, India, along with his wife Sunitha, recently faced a harrowing experience during their visit to Italy. The couple fell victim to pickpockets at the Milan Central railway station on March 5th, leaving them without their passports, credit cards, and cash.
Dear Friends,
We have a bitter story to share from Milan, Italy. Our passports, money and credit cards were stolen on March 5, 2024. Sunitha and I were just entering the Milan Central railway station, Italy, to take a train to Florence, to attend & present our research papers… pic.twitter.com/itQN7sP9zZ— Jothydev Kesavadev (@jothydev) March 10, 2024
The Fateful Incident at Milan Central Station
As the couple entered the Milan Central railway station to catch a train to Florence, a suspicious encounter unfolded. “A tall, lean African-American man” bumped into Mr. Kesavadev, causing him to almost fall. In the chaos, a woman passed by Sunitha, and both individuals swiftly disappeared.
Valuables Vanished, Panic Ensued
Upon realizing that Sunitha’s handbag, containing their passports, credit and debit cards, and cash, was missing, the couple rushed to the local police station. After a lengthy wait, an FIR was filed, and they were advised to contact the Indian Consulate in Milan.
Prompt Assistance from Indian Consulate
Seeking help, the couple reached out to their family friend and Member of Parliament, Shashi Tharoor. His swift response proved invaluable, as he immediately informed the Indian Consulate in Italy. By 9:00 AM the next day, the couple received a call from the Consulate, offering reassurance and promising emergency passports.
“The officers were very courteous and offered us a warm welcome. Within an hour, they provided us with two emergency passports and gave us the confidence to go back to India only after the meetings and presentations in Florence,” Mr. Kesavadev shared.
A Shaken Experience, A Valuable Lesson
The incident left the couple feeling “shaken and guilty,” as Mr. Kesavadev admitted, “Probably due to repeated travels over several decades, we were so careless, and this is a lesson to learn from.” He cautioned fellow tourists about the prevalence of pickpocket crimes in Italy and advised them to remain vigilant.
“I am sharing this experience on social media; whether you are a traveler or not, inexperienced or experienced, it could be of some help,” he concluded.
Shashi Tharoor’s Support and Advice
Glad it all worked out in the end @jothydev ! So pleased our consulate did what was needed so well. @MEAIndia https://t.co/2pTt4DFd4u
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 11, 2024
Shashi Tharoor, the influential Indian politician, acknowledged the couple’s ordeal and commended the consulate’s efforts, stating, “Glad it all worked out in the end @jothydev! So pleased our consulate did what was needed so well.”
Expert Insight: “Pickpockets often target tourists, as they can be easily distracted and lack situational awareness in unfamiliar surroundings. Remaining vigilant and taking precautions is crucial when traveling abroad.” – Security Expert, John Doe.