Cops crack whip on illegal porters

Sources however say the police are wary of arresting illegal porters and loaders as the conviction rate is low. Most offenders are let off with a fine by the courts, say police. Said security officers of private airlines, passengers frequently complain of being robbed by porters and loaders who offer to carry their baggage. These unscrupulous elements specially target in-coming passengers and holiday takers arriving from the Middle East, Dubai and Singapore. The touts lie in wait for passengers being transferred from Sahar International to the domestic airport. At both points, illegal loaders rush to `help’ passengers transport their baggage. “It is at this point that passengers complain of valuables being filched from bags,” said an airline official.

Over the last few months, private airlines have resorted to employing their own loaders and security personnel to protect their passengers. Police officials however point out that this is only a short term solution and advocate employment of licensed porters on a permanent basis. “Their services are required by female passengers with babies in arms and the infirm,” said a police official.

Consequently, loaders cannot be evicted from the airport premises as they also perform a service for a small fee, say police officials. Petty officials from the police, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security have also established a nexus with loaders by taking bribes from them, say sources.

However, a strict crackdown in the last few months has reduced crimes by unauthorised loaders, say sources. Many touts who indulged in illegal trading of foreign currency have run out of business due to the Central government’s liberalisation measures.