A guide was being beaten up by a local vendor near the Ajanta Cave areas on Friday afternoon. At this time, there was a group of 17 foreign tourists with the guide. Since the tourists had a flight, the guide was trying to get them to the airport on time. However, there is talk in the area that the vendor got angry because the tourists did not buy anything and beat up the guide.
While it is necessary for tourists to have a pleasant experience at a historical heritage site like Ajanta Caves, such incidents are raising question marks on the management. There is a demand for effective implementation of clear rules and control mechanisms to maintain coordination between tourists, guides and vendors.
Following a recent incident where a vendor assaulted tourists (66 in total) heading to the airport due to a perceived lack of sales, the Guide Welfare Association, led by President Bharat Joshi, warns that visits to the cave will cease unless appropriate action is taken to prevent future occurrences.
While no police complaint has been filed, the Archaeological Survey of India and MTDC Department emphasize the urgent need for concrete measures and better coordination between vendors and guides in the area.