London:
British authorities are cracking down on the many tantriks, babas and psychics who prey on the fears and desires of the Asian community by promising them remedies, everlasting love and good fortune.
Most newspapers published in Indian languages in London carry hundreds of advertisements from such individuals, promising '100 per cent guarantee' of love and riches, or promising to cure cancer and lift curses.
The soothsayers industry is said to be worth 40 million pounds every year.
Now, authorities in the east Midlands town of Leicester, better known as 'Little India', have announced a campaign against such babas and tantriks, most of whom have origins in the Indian sub-continent.
Deputy mayor Manjula Sood said: "I have heard of people being asked for 500 pounds and more for prayers or talismans. They think a curse will be placed on them if they refuse. One recently came to Leicester and took a room at a hotel where she charged clients 500 pounds for 10-minute sessions."
Resham Singh Sandhu, chairman of the Sikh Welfare and Cultural Society, said the Sikh community was lobbying with newspapers to stop publishing advertisements from such people.
Most newspapers published in Indian languages in London carry hundreds of advertisements from such individuals, promising '100 per cent guarantee' of love and riches, or promising to cure cancer and lift curses.
The soothsayers industry is said to be worth 40 million pounds every year.
Now, authorities in the east Midlands town of Leicester, better known as 'Little India', have announced a campaign against such babas and tantriks, most of whom have origins in the Indian sub-continent.
Deputy mayor Manjula Sood said: "I have heard of people being asked for 500 pounds and more for prayers or talismans. They think a curse will be placed on them if they refuse. One recently came to Leicester and took a room at a hotel where she charged clients 500 pounds for 10-minute sessions."
Resham Singh Sandhu, chairman of the Sikh Welfare and Cultural Society, said the Sikh community was lobbying with newspapers to stop publishing advertisements from such people.
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