Over 150 foreigners leave forest after being booked

Police today registered cases against over 150 foreigners, who were camping in the forests of Rajaji Park defying orders for many days after coming here to take part in the Kumbh Mela.

The travellers, belonging to Israel, the US, the UK, Panama and Finland, however left the Park after the authorities warned them of stern action under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 if they continued to defy visa rules, official sources said.

The reserve forest is home to elephants and tigers. 

Police booked them and along with their 'leader' Shivraj Giri, a Naga Sadhu.

They have been staying in the reserved forest area of the park without permission for the past several days and had refused to leave despite repeated attempts by the authorities. 

The Kumbh Mela administration had allotted 20,000 square feet of land to them at Saptsarovar sector of the mela area. 

All of them have valid visas. The Mela being held on the bank of river Ganga at Haridwar and Rishikesh would conclude this Wednesday.