By IANS,
Agra: Touts will no more be allowed to operate in the Taj Mahal complex.
Additional Director General of UP Police Rajnikant Mishra Wednesday ordered drastic action against the touts around the Taj called “lapkas” in local parlance.
He told his officer that there can be no leniency when it comes to frisking of visitors. For this, coordination was needed between the Uttar Pradesh Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Divisional Commissioner Pradip Bhatnagar alleged that touts were operating in the area and often misbehaving with or fleecing tourists.
Mishra asked police to keep a record of all agents or sales personnel attached to showrooms and emporiums in the area.
Even autorickshaw drivers should be screened and their identity cards checked regularly, he said.
Mishra said police should ensure there were no unauthorized constructions or encroachment in the area.
The 17th century Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his wife, is India’s biggest tourist draw.