Unsuspecting travellers forced to become ‘couriers’ for smugglers

Lack of stringent rules enables dubious travel agents to exploit pilgrims

The apprehension of 14 umrah pilgrims carrying gold worth ₹ 2.17 crore on their person on Wednesday evoked reactions from travel agents, activists and religious leaders who demanded framing of stringent rules to end cheating of gullible people in the name of pilgrimages.

“There are no strict guidelines for travel agents. This makes it easier for dubious elements to enter the market and cheat gullible pilgrims. Most pilgrims don’t even know that they are being coerced into doing risky things. They are unaware of the implications because they don’t even know it is illegal,” says Habeeb Abdul Qader from Bismillah Tours and Travels, private tour operator (PTO).

Lower packages

Another PTO who did not wish to be identified said that dubious travel agents advertise lower umrah packages and lure their victims after which they are coerced into carrying contraband on their person. “They usually identify unsuspecting senior citizens for their nefarious activities. Thought it may seem difficult, travellers should refuse to give in. They should not accept a single packet from travel agents or unknown persons,” said a manager of another PTO.

City-based activist S.Q. Masood opined that several examples of travel agents cheating pilgrims have come to the fore over the years. Yet, such activity does not stop. “Every year we hear of how pilgrims are stranded after travel agents decamp with their money. Today’s incident is more serious. Unless law is a deterrent, such cases will continue to come to light. There should be exemplary punishments to stop this anti-social activity,” he said. He suggested Hajj-like measures for umrah operators. These include submission of travel agency documents such as agreement with Saudi Arabian operators, copies of Ministry of Minority Affairs issued certificates and tax audit report. Reacting to the arrests, Islamic scholar Mufti Omar Abedeen Qasmi Madani said,

“The fundamental needs of the community are access to income, education and healthcare. There is a need to prioritise. Unlike Hajj, umrah is non-obligatory. It is better to have these fundamental needs as top priority.”