New Delhi: A number of escort agencies in the Capital, in a bid to cash in on the tourist rush, are advertising their services on the Internet by abusing the official mascot and logo of the Commonwealth Games.
In order to look genuine, the websites have posted general information regarding the games and the national capital where it would be held, including Games venues and itinerary, weather conditions, transport etc.
MiD DAY had reported earlier that there was at least a 50 per cent shortage in the availability of call girls for Commonwealth Games and thus escort agencies are not only training their girls and pimps to deal with international clients but are also leaving no stone unturned to look professional and 'official'.
Various escort agencies have added the CWG mascot on their website and are sporting a countdown timer for the game. When MiD DAY called up one of the numbers provided at one such website posing as a customer, the agency said, "I think this is one of the much-awaited mega events for the city. Almost everyone is eying this opportunity to earn some quick money. The event will attract a huge number of foreigners and therefore we have posted Games-related information to attract them to our websites."
But when MiD DAY pointed out that the use of CWG mascot 'Shera' was illegal, without mandatory permission of the organizing committee, he said: "Arey yaar hamara to dhandha hi poora illegal hai. Mascot utha kar agar website par daal diya to kaun si badi baat hai." (Our entire business is illegal. What's the big deal if we have used their logo on our website?)
Another escort agency that has posted the official Commonwealth Games mascot on its website claimed that the exercise was aimed at "giving high class professional escort.
"The information available on our site explains to prospective clients that our carefully selected model escorts are fit, gorgeous and vivacious. For any occasion, whether social, entertainment or personal, we have a suitable model escort for you," he added.
When MiD DAY pointed it out to the organizing committee, it vowed appropriate legal action against the abuse of the official mascot and brand Commonwealth.
Dr Lalit Bhanot, secretary general, Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee said, "The logo has been registered by the committee and any use by any individual or organisation without mandatory permission by the committee is illegal. We have received similar complaints earlier too and took legal action against the offenders. We will look into the issue and initiate appropriate action."
The government is expecting around one lakh tourists during Commonwealth Games. More than 90,000 tourists visited Melbourne for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.