Cops get strict on touts at IGI airport

To save incoming passengers from harassment at the airport, Delhi Police have started taking strict action against touts. After the implementation of a new Act, Delhi Police have started arresting touts for the first time.

To save incoming passengers from harassment at the airport, Delhi Police have started taking strict action against touts. After the implementation of a new Act, Delhi Police have started arresting touts for the first time.

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The Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices against Tourist Act was implemented in March this year and so far 30 touts have been arrested from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

“Until the implementation of the Act, we used to detain them under the Delhi Police Act and they would come out and start fleecing passengers again. It gives a negative image of the country. But we have controlled this after the implementation of the new Act. Over two dozen cases have been registered at the airport so far,” said a senior police officer.

Safety of passengers leaving the Delhi Airport is a matter of prime concern. After the Commonwealth Games, cheating auto drivers and touts are back to their business, which had been worrying the security agencies.

CISF apprehended a total of 275 touts in 2008 and the number reached 226 in the first six months of 2009. But the suspension of nine policemen from Palam police station put a break on the activity and the number came down drastically.

In 2010, a total of 219 touts were caught but this year the number is very less.

“This year, 30 touts have been arrested while 49 were detained under the Delhi Police Act. This suggests that the activity has reduced and complaints from passengers have also come down,” the Delhi Police officer added.