Over 50 touts held after attack on Swiss couple

Acting firmly after a Swiss couple was assaulted by five youngsters at Fatehpur Sikri near here, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the rounding up of anti-social elements around historical monuments in and near Agra.

In the past 24 hours, police have booked over 50 ‘lapkas’ or touts, who target foreign visitors at Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Taj Mahal, for harassment and disturbing public peace and sent them to jail.

Senior Superintendent of Police Amit Pathak said they are planning to set up information centres where tourists will get help from Tourism Police. A booklet will be published giving full details of distances and fares.

Nearly 10 million Indian and foreign tourists visit Agra annually.