Vendor assaults guide in front of foreign tourists at Ajanta Caves over avoided purchases

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A shocking incident occurred on Friday afternoon in the Ajanta Caves area, where a local vendor allegedly assaulted a guide in the presence of 17 foreign tourists. The guide was trying to ensure that the tourists reached the airport on time for their flight. However, the vendor became angry when the tourists declined to make purchases and reportedly got into an argument with the guide, which escalated to physical assault.

The group of foreign tourists, along with a guide, had arrived in the morning to visit the Ajanta Caves. After completing the visit, they had to leave by 2 pm for their onward travel. During this time, some vendors at the shopping plaza inside the caves were insisting that the tourists buy handicrafts and other items. Due to time constraints, the tourists refused to purchase anything, which reportedly angered one vendor. Claiming that the guide prevented tourists from buying, the vendor confronted the guide, and the dispute escalated to physical altercation.

Questions raised about tourism management

At heritage sites like the Ajanta Caves, ensuring a pleasant experience for tourists is essential. Incidents like this raise serious questions about management. There is a demand for clear regulations and an effective monitoring system to maintain coordination between tourists, guides, and vendors.

Need for proper measures

President of the Guide Welfare Association, Bharat Joshi said, "The guide was accompanying 17 American tourists who had to reach the airport on time. Despite this, a vendor allegedly attacked the guide, blaming him for the tourists not making purchases. Such incidents happen repeatedly. If the authorities do not take proper measures, we may have to stop taking tours to the Ajanta Caves.”