Cops rescue cash-strapped Russian couple from atop hill

Police said Victor (27) and Tanya (25) arrived in the town as devotees more than a month ago. As they ran out of money and were unable to afford food and other necessities, they climbed the 2,268-ft high Annamalai hills on Sunday morning, planning to take shelter in one of the numerous caves there till the lockdown is lifted.

However, acting on a tip-off, Tiruvannamalai SP MR Sibi Chakravarthy ordered the release of drones with cameras to track the couple and after the couple’s location was found out, police personnel climbed the hill and brought them down safely. Both tested negative for coronavirus when they were tested immediately.

After the couple narrated their tale of woe, they were allowed to stay in accommodation belonging to a local NGO.

The officials also promised to provide them with food thrice a day. A fortnight ago, a 35-year-old Chinese national, who was in similar circumstance and lived in a cave atop Annamalai hills, was brought down by the Forest department officials. He is currently being quarantined at Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College hospital.