35-year-old arrested for cheating foreign tourists

New Delhi: A 32-year-old man, who posed as a government tourist guide to various foreign tourists was arrested, Delhi Police said on Sunday.

Cops said the accused, identified as Riyaz Ahmed Boktoo, is a native of Srinagar, currently living in Bhogal Jungpura Extension. DCP (New Delhi) Madhur Verma said that he is member of a gang led by one Altaf, which would mislead foreign nationals and charge them exorbitant amounts for tour packages.

Various complaints were received in this regard at different police stations at New Delhi district and at the Union Ministry of Tourism, adding that the activities of the accused were tarnishing the image of the 'Shining India' and 'Atithi Devo Bhava' initiatives.

"A couple, who are residents of France, were visiting India and wanted to exchange their currency near Connaught Place circle area. The touts interacted with them and misguided the couple and duped a sum of Rs 27,782, on the pretext of a tour of Jaipur and Agra. However, no such service or tour was provided to the couple," said the DCP.

He added that in the course of the investigation, Baktoo was immediately arrested while Altaf is currently absconding.

Police further claimed that the accused, as well as Altaf, have active in Connaught Place for long. They would stay in Delhi during winter and move to their native state in summer.