Anti-touting law in force in Delhi,but 65 cases registered in 9 months

However,several of the 14 persons booked from CP area have claimed that they were merely “guiding” tourists towards their travel agency offices,which have been inaccessible due to the restoration work going on for the past two years in the locality.

Fayaz Ahmad,who works with ‘Tour & Travels’ agency,was arrested near the CP post office in A-block on July 30,said he was not “soliciting” customers when arrested.

“At 11 am,I was standing alone near the mosque in Outer Circle when two policemen took me to the police station. I was released three hours later after my surety papers were submitted,” he said.

Riyaz’s younger brother Yaseen,and his friend,Asif were also booked under the Act in August this year.

“On August 8,I had sent Yaseen and Asif to accompany one of our Canadian guests to a restaurant when police informed me about their arrest. Though the Canadians vouched for the two boys,they were taken to police station and released after we submitted their surety,” he said.

A police officer investigating the case however claimed that Yaseen and Asif were arrested at 8.30 pm outside McDonald’s restaurant in B-block when they were “forcing” three foreigner tourists to accompany them.

Asked why the police have not been able to enforce the law effectively and what was the action plan to curb touting,Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told Newsline,“Last year,the Act was implemented and an immediate special drive was conducted. This year,a number of people have been booked already because it is a continuos activity on our part to check touting and our drive has already shown impact. With the peak tourist season underway,the anti-touting drive will continue with more force.”