08 January,2011 07:09 AM IST | | Bipin Kumar Singh
While cops allegedly look the other way, smartly-dressed touts sporting fake uniforms of reputed hotels take tourists for a ride. They cheat them of foreign exchange, get them cabs with hiked fares and then dump them at cheap hotels
Appearances can be deceptive, especially when it comes to touts who stand outside the Mumbai Airport to dupe unsuspecting travellers.
Their modus operandi is simple; they wear uniforms of reputed hotels and travel agencies and are equipped with identity cards, which is more than sufficient to mislead many a weary traveler.
A well-dressed tout awaits his next bakra at the arrival lounge of the international airport
If you were to visit the international or domestic terminal at the Mumbai airport disguised as a passenger fresh off a flight and you will certainly be swamped by a sea of agents and hotel touts attempting to dazzle you with unbelievable offers and packages being offered by the hotels they represent.
VVIP treatment
The sudden overwhelming attention and VVIP treatment may be too flattering at that moment as you are treated no less than a prince, but all that could probably turn into a nightmare once you agree to go with the tout offering the most irresistible deal.
An unnamed parking attendant at the domestic arrivals terminal, said, "Once you come out of the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by a hotel tout and a few steps later a taxi tout will approach you offering you the best cab service and hotel in the city.
"Once they drop you off at the recommended hotel, they collect a pre-decided commission from the hotel management and leave.
"On checking into the hotel, realisation dawns upon you that you have been cheated, but you will also realise that nothing can be done about it since it is difficult to trace these touts," added the parking lot attendant.
According to a parking employee at the domestic airport of Mumbai, the police constables and CISF are aware of everything that goes on in and around the airport complex as everything happens in full view of the security agencies.
The international airport is the worst affected, where these touts effortlessly mislead tourists into parting with their money.
"These touts have a good network. Whether the requirement is for an AC cab or a hotel, they are capable of organising everything in a matter of seconds, since some taxi drivers are also hand-in-glove with these touts," said a few Cool Cab drivers at the arrivals terminal of Mumbai international airport.
To the rescue
This reporter found it necessary to rescue over a dozen tourists being overwhelmed by the sheer number of touts and taxi drivers outside the airport.
R Fredric, a grateful tourist rescued by the reporter, said, "I was not aware that touts were also part of the groups that kept approaching me. I was approached by at least 10 people who enquired whether I needed a hotel or cab."
The Trap
Airport police have been cracking down on these touts for sometime now and have even sealed a few small hotels near the airport that they represent.
Cops alert
DCP Satyanarayan Choudhary said, "Since the past two months we have started an operation against these touts and have arrested many of them involved in fraudulent activity.
In the last ten days, the operation against these touts has intensified and we have trapped many more in our dragnet. We have verified their credentials and found them to be fraudulent.
They wear uniforms similar to those worn by staff of well-known star hotels and solicit unsuspecting tourists with the intention to cheat."
"We have decided to check with all hotels and ensure that the people they are sending to the airport are genuine and this will also help us to screen and identify touts," added Choudhary.
Tout Spotting
The commission of these agents ranges between Rs 150-1,000 per traveLler
These touts mainly represent small hotels in the vicinity of the airport
Around seventy members in four to five different groups operate at the domestic and international airport
Some touts even claim to be representatives of big hotels and leading travel agencies
Some speak fluent English and wear impeccable uniforms
They entice tourists by offering to provide them with escorts
THE CAMPAIGN
MiD DAY has begun a campaign to stand up for airline passengers facing regular issues like lost, delayed or damaged baggage. If you happen to be a victim or know anyone who has been one, please send
in your story to MiD DAY at inandout@mid-day.com
Rs 1,000
Average commission that these agents earn from each traveller at the international airport
Three
Average number of complaints against cheating touts that are filed at the domestic airport daily
40
Number of touts and frauds that have been nabbed at the airport by the police and banned from entering the airport premises
