Indian typist 'fed up' after abuse image goes viral

The typist became an overnight star when an image of a policeman kicking his typewriter went viral


Afp September 23, 2015
Indian street typist Kishan Kumar (L) poses with an unidentified man (R) and his new typewriter on a street in Lucknow on September 22, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

LUCKNOW: An Indian 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 Kishan Kumar, who makes a living as a streetside typist in the northern city of Lucknow, provoked an outpouring of sympathy from Indians outraged at his treatment.

Local authorities reacted swiftly, suspending the officer who destroyed his typewriter and promising compensation of INR100,000 ($1,500) as well as a new machine.

Read: India's goat sellers flock to Internet this Eid

But Kumar, who is in his 60s but does not know his exact age, 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."

Although typewriters have largely disappeared from many countries, streetside typists remain a common sight in many Indian cities.

They can be seen hunched over often ancient machines, tapping out affidavits, family title deeds and court applications for around INR10 per page.

Read: 'Witch' killings haunt India's remote villages

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.

"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.

COMMENTS (3)

SE | 9 years ago | Reply Made my blood boil when I saw the pictures of the old man being harassed by the policeman. Humans don't exist in this part of the world it would seem.
Kolsat | 9 years ago | Reply Police harassment of such people as street vendors is common in India. I feel for this man whose life is ruined because the news of him receiving a Rs. 100000 reward will bring unwanted attention from conmen from within his family and the neighbourhood. Authorities should issue proper licences to street vendors which will stop their harassment from the police.
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ