Varanasi: Continuing its crackdown on touts, fake priests, and bogus guides who allegedly extort money from pilgrims in the name of providing hassle-free entry to crowded temples such as Kashi Vishwanath, police on Monday arrested 11 such individuals from the vicinity of the Kaal Bhairav temple.
Operation Details
ACP (Kotwali) Vijay Pratap Singh stated that the action followed several days of surveillance on suspected touts and fake priests operating around the temple premises. Acting on specific inputs, a special team from Kotwali police station carried out a surprise raid and arrested Irfan Ahmad, Rakesh Kumar, Karan Maurya, Adarsh Koniya, Manohar Kumar, Vishnu Sharma, Kaju Seth, Manavendra Dubey, Sandeep, Jitendra Mishra, and Chhotu.
Modus Operandi
The ACP said police intensified the operation after receiving a growing number of complaints from devotees against such elements, who allegedly preyed on crowds by offering “VIP” or hassle-free entry through exit gates of the temple. According to police, when pilgrims refused to pay or resisted their demands, the accused allegedly resorted to intimidation and forcibly extorted money from several visitors. They were also accused of creating disturbances and engaging in scuffles with devotees, posing a threat to law and order around the temple area.
Previous Arrests
On Sunday, police from Dashashwamedh and Chowk police stations had also arrested 4 and 23 alleged touts and fake priests respectively for harassing and duping pilgrims near the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
About the Author
Rajeev Dikshit reports from Varanasi, covering all beats across 10 districts in east Uttar Pradesh. With specialisation in political, legal, crime, and developmental stories, he also explores religious, cultural, sports, lifestyle, and business stories. He enjoys writing features and long-form articles, delivering comprehensive and insightful coverage to readers.
