Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav offers help to stranded Hungarian citizen in Saran

PATNA: A day after a video of Viktor Zichó, a cycling enthusiast and an adventurer from Hungary went viral on social media, in which he expressed his woes of staying at Saran Sadar Hospital for last 57 days due to nationwide lockdown, leader of opposition in Bihar assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav came to his aid
Tejashwi on Tuesday spoke to Viktor through video-conferencing and assured the latter to provide best shelter, quality food and other facilities immediately.
In five minutes video- call, Tejashwi expressed his dismay over the poor treatment to stranded Hungarian citizen in Saran since lockdown. He also asked Viktor if he was willing to go back to his country or to Delhi for better accommodation. Viktor, however, refused and said that he wants to continue his expedition, which he started almost 10 months ago from Hungary.
Viktor accused the Saran district administration for not imposing the lockdown properly in the district. “I saw it through my own eyes on Sunday, when I escaped that in the reality, there is no lockdown here. People are moving on the streets without maintaining any social distance. Every kind of vehicle on the street and all the shops and dhabas are open. But I was kept here for last 57- days and that’s the reason that I’m annoyed. I’m on a pilgrimage and I have to complete my journey. I’m not going to leave the country,” the Hungarian said.
Tejashwi also asked Viktor if he wants to move to Patna till the lockdown ends, as he would certainly get better facilities, accommodation and food here than in Saran. On which, Viktor has assured Tejashwi he would get back to him, after consideration.
Tejashwi also attacked the state government for not taking care of foreigners: “Listen to the ordeal of Hungarian national who has been quarantined for 50 days in Bihar’s hospital. In spirit of our “Atithi Devo Bhava” he should’ve been given warmest hospitality not traumatized in hospital. He is our guest and should have a memorable experience in our state (sic),” he tweeted.
Viktor, on Sunday escaped on his recumbent cycle from Saran Sadar Hospital towards Darjeeling to continue his ‘Alexander Csoma expedition’, however, his attempt was futile as the district administration and police personnel caught him at Darbhanga border on the same day.
Saran DM Subrat Kumar Sen told this newspaper on Tuesday that Viktor entered Saran’s Revilganj block in Makda village on March 24. “The villagers held him as a hostage. When the police informed us about the suspicious movement of a foreigner from UP’s Majhi village into Saran. We immediately rushed to Revilganj and released the man from villagers’ clutches.
He added: “Viktor was interrogated and kept as Sadar Hospital due to Covid- 19 outbreak. His sample was tested negative on April 1. The administration has given his separate cottage in a hospital and providing quality food as per his taste and he was satisfied.”
The DM said that the Centre has not given relaxation of movement of foreigners on cycle. “We are ready to send him back to his country through the special flight, but he refused. He is adamant to continue his expedition on his cycle, which we can’t allow unless there is any directive for this,” he said.