Police and the tourist department in Jaipur got tough with touts who harass tourists in the city and arrested over a dozen of them on Wednesday and Thursday as per a TOI report.

According to tourist assistance force (TAF) officials, a campaign is being carried out against city touts. "We have arrested 12 touts from Chandpole, Sanjay Circle, Vidhayakpuri and Jalupura areas of the city while they were harassing foreign tourists," an official said. He informed that a new strategy to rein in the menace is being implemented. "There are a lot of 'habitual offenders' among touts. They are being identified and a database is being prepared," the officer said.

TAF will also make sure the touts are released only on certified bonds. In case of repeat violation, they could be booked under more punitive laws. Currently, there are 50 ex-servicemen working for TAF. They are deputed at tourist spots, but they often find themselves at the receiving end of the touts. Nothing was done against attackers in instances when hawkers attacked them.

"Earlier, TAF used to round up the touts and hands them over to the police. They were then booked under Section 151 of CrPC but released the very next day. Now, they won't be able to get away with mild punishment anymore," the official added.