IGIA: Touting problem addressed with record arrests and seizures
NEW DELHI: In a determined effort to eradicate touting and safeguard passengers at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the Delhi Police’s IGI Airport Unit has launched an extensive crackdown, setting a benchmark in proactive policing. With 540 touts arrested and 254 vehicles seized in 2024, the numbers represent a dramatic increase compared to 264 arrests and 96 vehicle seizures in 2023, the officials informed on Wednesday.
Usha Rangnani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) IGI Airport, stated that the zero-tolerance approach has significantly enhanced passenger safety and strengthened the airport’s reputation as a secure gateway to India. Touting at IGI Airport involves misleading or coercing passengers into using unauthorised taxis, accommodations, or other services.
Adding further, Rangnani said these activities do not only give a bad reputation to the airport but also risk passengers’ lives. Touts, usually targeting unsuspecting travellers, especially during night hours, lure their victims with false promises, such as posing as pre-paid taxi drivers or claiming a need for an emergency, which justifies increased fees.
Touting is a criminal offence under the Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices against Tourist Act, and the IGI Airport Police have been relentless in addressing this menace. The most notable case was in September 2024, when a foreign national was duped into paying Rs 98,700 by a tout who claimed that all public services in Delhi had been disrupted by protests. The victim was misled into thinking that alternative arrangements were necessary and was overcharged under the guise of seeking private transport to Varanasi.
Within 24 hours, the IGI Airport Police arrested four suspects, including the brain behind the crime. Their bank accounts were frozen and the victim’s money recovered. In another case, again in September, a foreign tourist was overcharged Rs 2,500 for a ride to CR Park.
This is five times the usual fare. Within hours of the victim’s friend complaining, the police were able to identify the culprits from CCTV footage and arrested them.
Such swift resolutions have only served to highlight the commitment of the police to the welfare
of passengers.
The IGI Airport Police have put in place some very innovative strategies to tackle touting. There are anti-touting teams who patrol round the clock in all terminals, arrival zones, and parking areas, Rangnani mentioned.
The uniformed and plainclothes officers ensure there is instant action against touting.
Greater coverage has been enhanced by increased foot and motorcycle patrols and coordination with stakeholders such as RAXA, Airport Security Group, and Delhi International Airport Limited. DIAL enables sharing of intelligence and joint operations.
QRTs deployed at strategic locations have been quick to respond to suspicious activities and thus prevented touts. The results of the crackdown speak for themselves. In 2024, the IGI Airport Police arrested 540 touts, seized 254 vehicles, and made 41 preventive arrests under the BNSS Act—an area where no arrest was made in 2023, Rangnani said.
Touts caught were from different states such as Delhi (373), Uttar Pradesh (107), Haryana (32), and Bihar (11), bringing to the fore the nationalistic character of the problem. The police have also initiated awareness campaigns to educate passengers on the dangers of touting and how to avoid falling prey, the DCP IGI Airport confirmed.
