Abused typist says he is annoyed by public attention

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 100,000 rupees ($1,500) as well as a new machine.