Foreigner arrested for trespassing at Vallarpadam container terminal

KOCHI: A Russian citizen was arrested for trespassing at Vallarpadam International Container Terminal here. The police said that a case has been filed against the said foreigner, Ilia Ekimov (26), a native of Kurgan region of Russia, under the sections of Foreigners Act, Passport Act and various sections of the IPC.

According to the police, Ilia jumped over the wall at the west part of the container terminal around 6:30 am on Tuesday and was detained by the security staff and handed over to the Mulavukad police. He was interrogated by the RAW and IB officials.

He reached Kochi two days ago. He only had the train ticket to Ernakulam in his hand. Ilya's first statement is that he went to see the Goshree bridge in the morning and lost direction by checking the Google Maps. He later testified that he went in search of a toilet.

Ilia reached the container terminal from Ramanthuruth near Bolgatty. The Russian had no passport with him. He was produced before the court and remanded to Ernakulam Sub Jail. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Arrival on a visiting visa

Ilia Ekimov came to India on a visiting visa two years ago. He did various jobs in Goa and left the place last year after his visa expired. The police will investigate where he has been to in Kerala, and the persons he met. He knows no language other than Russian.