By Mata Press Service

A Canadian man visiting Mahabaliburam in Tamil Nadu has been arrested for allegedly indulging in sodomy, pornography and exploiting poor men, Indian media reported.

The South Asian Post has learnt that the man identified as Miles Patrick is from Winnipeg.

Media reports quoting Indian police said Patrick had been known for his generosity in the slums around Mahabalipuram.

The port town with its temples and beaches is a major Indian tourist attraction.

NDTV said that police came into action after a tip off, and arrested him from his hotel room with 100 nude photographs of local men.

Patrick has been visiting Mahabaliburam for over the past 15 years. While he claims to be an artist, the police are now tracking his local network.

''I suspect he is using these pictures for pornography. He says these are for art purposes,'' Shakeel Akhtar, Deputy Inspector General of Police in Kancheepuram was quoted as saying.

The police have also intensified the monitoring of foreign nationals masquerading as social workers in Mahabaliburam.

The tourist town has become synonymous with sex offences, after the Kancheepuram police recently arrested Alan Horowitz, one of America's most wanted paedophiles.

Patrick's visa and a Canadian passport were also seized. He was arrested under sections 377 and 299 (indulging in an unnatural sexual act and being found in possession of obscene pictures) of the IPC, police said.

Patrick is believed to have dual citizenship and has an address in Hudson, New York.

He has been remanded to judicial custody by a magistrate's court.