An elderly man who became an overnight star when an image of a policeman kicking his typewriter went viral has said he is fed up with all the attention -- and just wants to go back to typing letters.
The photograph of the officer harassing Krishna Kumar, who makes a living as a typist in Lucknow, provoked an outpouring of sympathy from people outraged at his treatment.
Local authorities reacted swiftly, suspending the officer who destroyed his typewriter and promising compensation of Rs 100,000 as well as a new machine.
But Kumar said he was “fed up” with his new-found celebrity, which had made it impossible for him to work.
“I just can’t work with so many people surrounding me. I haven’t earned a single penny for the past two days,” he told AFP outside the Lucknow post office, where he plies his trade.
“What will I feed my family if I do not get to earn?... I come here to work, not to give media interviews.”
Kumar said he had received an anonymous threat of violence since the incident on Saturday, while promises of money from well-wishers had failed to materialise.
{{/usCountry}}Kumar said he had received an anonymous threat of violence since the incident on Saturday, while promises of money from well-wishers had failed to materialise.
{{/usCountry}}“I have received a couple of calls from people asking for my bank details... (but) I haven’t received any money from anybody,” he said.
Read: Lucknow typist forgives cop, says never thought of quitting
UP typist receives threat call for ‘getting cop suspended’