Tourists Fall Victim to Fake Guide in Fatehpur Sikri

In a troubling incident in Fatehpur Sikri, a couple fell victim to a fraudulent guide who misrepresented the status of historical sites. Initially unaware of the deception, they paid for a tour only to be told that key attractions like the Jodha Bai Palace and Panch Mahal were in ruins. After realizing the truth from local officials, the couple expressed their frustration. Authorities have yet to receive a formal complaint but are prepared to take action if one is filed. This incident raises concerns about tourist safety and the integrity of guides in popular destinations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 13:23 IST

Incident Involving a Fraudulent Guide

A couple visiting Fatehpur Sikri encountered a fraudulent guide who misled them about the historical sites. When the woman requested to visit the Jodha Bai Palace, Panch Mahal, Anup Talaab, and Hiran Minar, the guide falsely claimed that these attractions had collapsed.

Every day, thousands of tourists flock to Agra, where numerous guides are available to assist them. However, a shocking incident has come to light involving a couple who were deceived by a fake guide during their visit.

Initially unaware of his deceit, the couple hired the young man, who posed as a guide. He charged them ₹500 upfront and later extorted an additional ₹1,100 under the pretense of offering a prayer at Sheikh Salim Chishti's shrine.

When the woman expressed interest in visiting the palaces, the guide falsely asserted that Akbar's fort was in ruins. It was only upon leaving that the couple realized they had been duped, leading to their frustration as they discovered that the palaces were still intact and frequented by visitors.

Rahu Singh, originally from Bihar and working at a bank in Bulandshahr, visited the site with his wife Preeti and their five-year-old child. They arranged for a guide near the Buland Darwaza at around 1:30 PM. The guide showed them the Buland Darwaza, Sheikh Salim Chishti's shrine, and the Badshahi Gate, but when the wife showed interest in the palace, he falsely claimed it was in ruins. Before leaving, he pressured them to pay for the offering at the shrine.

Upon inquiring about the supposed ruins from bus stand officials Ramgopal and Shiv Singh Mahura, they were informed that the palace was fully preserved. The couple was astonished by the deception and returned to the monument. Fatehpur Sikri police and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that they had not received any formal complaint regarding the incident. Officials indicated that appropriate action would be taken if a complaint was filed.