A 34-year-old Russian tourist was today attacked by a four-member gang near Velankanni and robbed of his belongings, police said.
The tourist, identified as Nikkittin Surgey, sustained cut injuries on his head, hands and legs as he resisted the gang which attacked him with sickles, police said.
The gang then fled snatching his camera, currency notes and a mobile phone.
The local people took Nikkittin to Nagapattinam Government hospital where he has been admitted, police said.
He had arrived at Velankanni three days ago after visiting various places in Himachal Pradesh and was taking a walk along the coast of Therkkupoigainallur in Velankanni when the gang waylaid him.
Nagapattinam Superintendent of Police R Ponni has formed four special teams to nab the culprits.
Shrine Basilica at Velankanni, hailed as the Lourdes of the East, attracts a large number of foreign tourists everyday.
