Cyclists enter prohibited area of Fatehpur Sikri, guard faces charges
Over 50 cyclists rode bicycles on Sunday morning in the prohibited area of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disciplinary action was taken against a guard and a guide who helped the group of cyclists.
by Siraj Qureshi · India TodayIn Short
- 50 cyclists entered restricted Fatehpur Sikri area
- Disciplinary action against guide, guard taken
- Viral video of cyclists exposed security lapses in Fatehpur Sikri
A group of over 50 cyclists violated regulations at Fatehpur Sikri on Sunday morning by entering a restricted area inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cyclists rode bicycles onto the Buland Darwaza stairs and took photographs.
The incident has led to disciplinary action against a licenced guide and a security guard.
Vehicular movement is strictly prohibited within 500 meters of the site, with only golf carts permitted.
Despite this, the cyclists entered the restricted area around 8:30 am, shooting reels, taking photographs, and videos on the monument’s iconic stairs.
A viral video of the group posing with their bicycles exposed security lapses and raised questions about security provided by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Superintending Archaeologist Raj Kumar Patel confirmed that Mohammed Sharif, the guide accompanying the group, had his licence revoked. A police complaint was filed against Sharif at the Fatehpur Sikri station.
Besides, the private security guard on duty was absent, prompting authorities to terminate his employment and issue a notice to the security agency.
The incident follows challenges with tourist scams at Fatehpur Sikri. A day before the incident, another guide allegedly duped a couple into making a religious offering of Rs 1,100 at the Sheikh Salim Chishti shrine under false pretences.