In a significant breakthrough against wildlife tourism fraud, Delhi Police has dismantled a sophisticated pan-India jungle safari permit racket that was cheating nature enthusiasts across the country. The operation led to the arrest of two key individuals who masterminded this elaborate scam.
The Elaborate Scam Uncovered
According to police officials, the accused were running an organized racket that targeted tourists seeking to visit various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The scam spanned an impressive 13 states, including popular destinations like Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Ranthambore in Rajasthan, and Bandipur in Karnataka.
How the Racket Operated
The modus operandi was both simple and effective. The fraudsters would:
- Create fake websites and social media profiles posing as legitimate tour operators
- Collect advance payments from unsuspecting tourists for safari bookings
- Generate forged permits and documentation
- Disappear after receiving payments, leaving tourists stranded
The Investigation Breakthrough
The racket came to light when multiple complaints poured in from cheated tourists across different states. A dedicated team from Delhi Police's Cyber Crime Unit launched a thorough investigation, tracking digital footprints and financial transactions that eventually led them to the perpetrators.
Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora stated, "This was one of the most organized wildlife tourism scams we've encountered. The accused had created an entire ecosystem of deception, complete with fake websites and customer support channels."
Nationwide Impact
The scale of the operation is staggering. Preliminary investigations suggest hundreds of tourists from across India and even international visitors fell victim to this scam. The accused had created a sophisticated network that could book fraudulent safaris in protected areas across multiple states simultaneously.
Protecting Wildlife Tourism
This crackdown comes as a relief to both genuine tour operators and wildlife enthusiasts. The Indian wildlife tourism industry has been growing steadily, and such scams not only cheat tourists but also damage the reputation of legitimate businesses and conservation efforts.
Authorities have advised tourists to always book through government-authorized portals and verified tour operators. They've also launched an awareness campaign about identifying genuine safari booking platforms.
The investigation continues as police work to identify more victims and recover the stolen funds. This case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime in the tourism sector and the need for increased vigilance among travelers.
