AGRA: Ahead of US President

’s likely visit to India along with his family, the American authorities hired local investigators to scan the perimeter around

in

Agra

.

Concerned with the probe findings, the US officials told UP police to get rid of “unwanted elements” such as touts near the Taj - following which 11 touts were booked and even arrested.

Speaking to TOI on Thursday, circle officer security (Taj Mahal),

said, “We have charged the apprehended touts under

section 384 [punishment for extortion] after US authorities shared their concerns with us.”

“After a detailed discussion with senior authorities, it was decided to strengthen the security perimeter around the Taj Mahal, considering the visit of ‘POTUS’. The area around the Taj has been divided into several zones. In the yellow zone, heavily armed cops have been deployed. They allow entry to only those people who are able to show their valid ID cards,” he said.

“Furthermore, we have also divided the area for no tobacco, no horn zones. Action will be taken against those who are found violating the norms. The entire Taj Mahal area is out of bounds for drones as well,” he added.

A senior police officer said, “US authorities had hired a local investigative agency which visited the place in plain clothes, scanned the entire area and gave a detailed report to them. The concerns flagged by the agency to US authorities were shared to us and adequate steps are being taken in this regard.”