Siliguri, 14th July: The 24-hour tourist helpline launched by Siliguri Metropolitan Police to assist and ensure the safety of tourists has proved effective within its first week of operation. In two separate cases, police acted promptly to resolve complaints and recover money lost by tourists.
According to police sources, Ankit Kumar, a resident of Bihar, arrived at Siliguri Junction while travelling to Gangtok. He had booked a ₹33,000 tour package through a travel page on social media, which claimed to provide accommodation, food, and sightseeing arrangements.
After making the online payment, he was sent to Gangtok. However, upon reaching the destination, he found that no hotel had been booked and none of the promised arrangements had been made. Realising that he had allegedly been cheated, he contacted the Siliguri Police tourist helpline.
After receiving the complaint, ACP (Traffic) Subir Dutta directed Siliguri Junction Traffic Guard IC Rhythm Saha to investigate the matter. Acting swiftly, the police team reached the travel agency’s office. Although the main accused was found absconding, another person connected to the case was detained, and the tourist’s full ₹33,000 was recovered and returned within 24 hours.
After the amount was refunded, ACP Subir Dutta personally informed the tourist over the phone. Ankit Kumar appreciated the prompt action taken by Siliguri Metropolitan Police and said he had not expected such a quick resolution.
In another complaint received through the same helpline, police also ensured the refund of ₹200 that had allegedly been collected illegally from tourists.
Following the prompt resolution of both cases, the 24-hour tourist helpline is emerging as a reliable support system for visitors travelling through Siliguri.