Russian at IPHB refuses to leave Goa

Russian at IPHB refuses to leave Goa
Says He Loves India And Won’t Go Back Even Though His Visa Expired In Sept 2007
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: A 28-year-old Russian has the Russian consulate in Mumbai and the Goa government in a quandary as he “refuses to leave Goa because he loves India”.
However, his Goa junket may just be cut short as his visa has expired and the Russian consulate plans to pack him off to Russia for psychiatric treatment. Alexander’s visa expired in September 2007.
Alexander (name changed) was admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) on June 11, 2008.
Sources at the IPHB reveal that he constantly insists on staying in Goa. The sources also added that when the Russian counsulate’s legal counsel in Goa visited him (Alexander) recently, he refused to entertain the lawyer.
“He feels that the lawyer wants to send him back to Russia. Besides, he keeps saying “Satya meva jayate. Mera Bharat mahan”, the sources said.
“We are looking into the matter and hope that after due clearance from the Goa government we can take him back to Russia where he can continue his treatment,” said counsel for the Russian consulate in Mumbai, Vikram Varma.
IPHB medical superintendent B S Cuncoliencar said, “This is the third time that he has been admitted to the hospital. Whenever he recovers we discharge him and advise him that he is fit to return to Russia but he refuses to go. It appears that he wants to stay in Goa.”
The hospital authorities have also written to the foreigners’ registration office (FRO) informing them about the patient’s condition and requesting them to inform the Russian consulate.
Alexander was admitted to the IPHB following a complaint from the Calangute police that an “unknown male, appearing to be a foreigner giving all vague answers, of unsound mind was wandering in the market and creating a nuisance in public places.”
He was first picked up by the Mapusa police for being a “public nuisance” and admitted to the IPHB in March 2008 for almost 25 days.
Later in April he was picked up again by the police and sent to the IPHB where he was treated for almost 20 days.
Doctors at the IPHB have diagnosed the illness as substance induced psychotic disorder. However, Alexander has now recovered.
They also opined that Alexander is now “fit for discharge” from the IPHB but needs to follow up with a mental health professional on a regular basis.

2008 Aug 06 Times Of India Goa