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 here 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. Sandhu said: What these people are doing is exploitation. In Leicester,we are talking about them in the prayer halls. We are saying dont follow these people,they cannot help you,they are only after your money. Anasudhin Azeez,Kerala-origin editor of the Manchester-based Asialite publication,said that as a matter of policy,his newspaper refused to carry such advertisements,and hoped other Asian publications will also follow his example. John Fox,trading standards manager with Leicester City Council,said the unit tracked down some healers during a campaign two years ago,and is now preparing another campaign later this year. Fox said: This is not alternative therapy,its mumbo-jumbo. The real danger is that people who make these claims can stop people from seeing their doctors. We will be monitoring the relevant foreign language newspapers,having the adverts translated and contacting the people concerned. Well also be looking at the cards going through peoples doors. In the latest case,the Leicestershire police is searching for a man called Ali Shah,who they believe tricked a Glasgow taxi driver into handing over 10,000 pounds with the promise of making his wife love him again. According to the new European Union consumer protection regulations that came into force in 2008,tantriks and soothsayers can be taken to court if the promises they make do not materialize.
