PRAYAGRAJ, May 9 -- Taking serious note of complaints regarding boat and ferry operators charging excessive fares from pilgrims in the Sangam area, the Water Police have launched a strict enforcement campaign. So far, action has been taken against eight boatmen accused of collecting fares higher than the prescribed rates, officials said. Under the directions of senior police officials, the campaign started on May 4 is being carried out by a team of policemen in plain clothes, with police personnel posing as pilgrims and monitoring activities at various ghats. According to officials, continuous complaints were being received that devotees visiting the Sangam and boating were being charged several times more than the fixed fare. Some boatmen were allegedly taking advantage of pilgrims arriving from other districts and states who were unaware of the official fare structure, and were demanding arbitrary amounts from them. The issue had been causing growing resentment among devotees visiting the Sangam, prompting the Water Police to initiate a special drive. As part of the operation, undercover police personnel are gathering information about fares being charged by boat operators at different ghats. Water Police Station in-charge Ravindranath Gond said that cheating or overcharging from pilgrims would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He added that all boatmen and operators have been instructed to strictly follow the approved fare list. Authorities are also preparing to display fare charts more prominently at the ghats so that pilgrims can easily access correct fare information and avoid being overcharged....