Cash-strapped Ukrainians found in caves in India

In India, Ukrainians in quarantine are forced to live in a cave due to lack of money. Photo: bbc.com

The police of the Indian state of Uttarakhand rescued six tourists in the caves who, due to the ban on leaving the country following the coronavirus lockdown, were forced to leave the hotel due to lack of money, the BBC reports.

The foreign nationals are from Ukraine, the US, Turkey, France and Nepal, and had arrived in India separately last year – they had been living in small hotels and private lodges in Rishikesh, which is a popular tourist destination in the foothills of the Himalayas.

They lived in the cave for 25 days before they were spotted by local people.

According to officials, the six have tested negative for Covid-19 and have been moved to a private quarantine centre.

Air, rail and road transport in the country have been suspended since March 24.

The six are now lodged in a private religious retreat, and their accommodation and food are being paid for by the government, officials said.

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