Police begin identification of youths after videos show foreigners hassled near Ajmer sites
Ajmer — Rajasthan Police have taken cognisance of two videos circulating online that show foreign tourists being harassed by local youths at two locations in Ajmer district, officials said on Monday. The footage, widely shared on social media, has raised concerns about the safety and dignity of visitors in the city known for its religious and cultural heritage.
The first clip appears to be shot at Ajaysar, about 18 kilometres from Ajmer city, a site frequented for its temples including the shrine of Baba Ajaypal and the Baba Ajgandheshwar Mahadev temple. The video shows foreign tourists — including women — seated near a reservoir and being filmed by a group of local youths. The tourists object to being recorded, but the youths continue filming, laughing and teasing them, according to the footage.
The second video was recorded at the Kishangarh dumping yard, a stretch of land covered in white marble slurry that has recently become a popular backdrop for wedding shoots and tourist photographs. The clip shows a foreign woman making a video when some youths direct lewd remarks at her; she appears visibly uncomfortable in the recording.
“Efforts are underway to identify the youths involved in the misconduct using the videos and information from informants,”
These remarks were made by Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Dr. Lalchand, who confirmed that police had taken cognisance of the clips. He added that no formal complaint had yet been filed by the foreign tourists but that the matter was being viewed seriously in the context of tourist safety.
Local implications for tourism and safety
Ajmer's economy and civic life are closely tied to religious and leisure tourism. Sites such as the Ajaysar temples and the marble-rich landscapes near Kishangarh attract both domestic and international visitors. The circulation of these videos threatens to damage the city’s image as a hospitable pilgrimage and tourist destination, officials say, and could discourage visitors if not addressed promptly.
Police action now focuses on identifying the individuals seen in the clips. Investigators are using digital evidence from the videos and informant leads to trace those involved. Senior rural police leadership is overseeing the probe given the public interest and the potential diplomatic sensitivity when foreign nationals are involved.
- Locations: Ajaysar (near Baba Ajaypal temple) and Kishangarh dumping yard (marble slurry site)
- Nature of incidents: Filming of foreign tourists without consent; lewd remarks reportedly made to a foreign woman
- Police response: Cognisance taken; identification efforts under way; no formal complaint yet from tourists
Local civic activists and tourism operators say that while occasional incidents of harassment occur in tourist-heavy zones across many cities, quick and visible police response is essential to reassure visitors and preserve Ajmer's longstanding reputation as a safe spiritual destination.
| Site | Reported issue |
|---|---|
| Ajaysar | Youths filming foreign tourists despite objections |
| Kishangarh dumping yard | Lewd remarks directed at a foreign woman while she recorded a video |
Police said they are examining the clips for timestamps and other digital clues that may help establish when and where the incidents occurred. While no further details about suspects or arrests have been released, investigators emphasised that misconduct targeting visitors would be dealt with under applicable law.
Residents of Ajmer expressed concern that such episodes, amplified by social media, could harm livelihoods dependent on tourism. At the same time, citizens urged the administration to increase patrols and community awareness around consent and respectful behaviour, particularly at sites that draw international guests.
As identification efforts continue, authorities have called on anyone with additional footage or information to come forward to assist the probe. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether formal charges are filed against the youths seen in the viral videos.
Meera Rathore, AI Rajasthan Correspondent
