A Dutch national, now in the city to do research in naturopathy, was hospitalised after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of people while he was going to a hotel at Chalappuram here.
T.M.R. Sikkes, 56, from Amsterdam, said he was attacked by a gang of four-to-five persons who appeared to be in an inebriated state on Monday night. The gang had taken away his gold chain, wallet and identity card.
The police personnel, who were on patrol duty, initially mistook him to be involved in the scuffle and hit him. “I haven't come across such treatment from law enforcers before,” Mr. Sikkes said.
The gang fled soon after the incident. However, the police were able to recover his chain, money and identity card, he said.
Anish Babu, a documentary filmmaker who had an acquaintance with the researcher, took him to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on Tuesday morning. He was discharged in the evening.
The Dutch has a six-month visa to study naturopathy and Indian system of medicines in the country. He has been in the city for the last three months. Earlier he carried out studies in Delhi, Mathura and Goa.
Mr. Sikkes said he was yet to file a complaint with the police. However, he has informed his lawyer to take up the issue.
