The Bengaluru man, who had claimed to be a Frankfurt techie now begging on the city's streets, has been missing ever since videos of his encounter with influencer Sharath Yuvaraj went viral online.
Speaking to IndiaToday.in, Sharath shared how an otherwise routine interaction in Jayanagar turned into something unforgettable.
At first, he assumed the man was just another beggar. However, that perception shifted as soon as the man began speaking.
What followed was a mix of intrigue, disbelief, and a quest for answers that remained unsolved.
Sharath, an engineer by profession, narrated the encounter to India Today, recalling how the man approached him for money, speaking in impeccable English.
"At first, it felt surreal. His fluency and accent forced me to pay attention to him. When I asked about his qualifications, he stunned me by claiming he was a Frankfurt engineer who had once worked at Mindtree in Global Village," Sharath said.
He added: "According to the beggar, life had taken a downward spiral after the loss of his parents and long-time girlfriend. The grief led him to alcoholism, homelessness, and ultimately to begging on the streets."
Initially sceptical, Sharath admitted he was swayed when the man delved into topics like theoretical physics, meditation, and philosophy, referencing greats like Albert Einstein and David Hume.
He was compelled to believe some parts of the man's story. One of the now-viral videos, shared by Sharath on Instagram, shows the man talking about theoretical physics and its principles.
Sharath filmed part of their conversation but stopped when the man requested not to be recorded further.
Despite repeated offers of assistance, including money and food, the beggar declines any substantial help. "I gave him Rs 400 and offered him vegetable juice, but he refused any further support," Sharath told IndiaToday.in.
Determined to help, Sharath consulted a doctor and an NGO, both of whom advised involving the police. However, since bringing the police into the matter, the man has mysteriously disappeared.
Bengaluru Police, who are conducting a citywide "beggar's drive," have been unable to locate him for over a week.
While the man's whereabouts remain unknown, Sharath Yuvaraj's account has shed light on the complexities of urban homelessness and the fine line between belief and scepticism.
As Sharad told IndiaToday.in, "If we are able to find the man and if this story turns out to be true. The message [from his story] is a lesson for people out there."
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