Valentine’s season spells biz for private detectives

JALANDHAR: Besides victims of Cupid’s arrows, owners of detective agencies too look forward to Valentine’s Day.

The number of prospective clients who approach private detective agencies for spying on their wards, partners or even spouses in the days preceding February 14 increases manifold, if those running private detective agencies are to be believed.

They said since Indian society is becoming more liberal, worried parents desire to keep a tab on the activities of their children in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. Similarly, married and unmarried couples want to make sure their spouses/partners do not cheat on them as lovers’ day approaches.

Chief investigator of a private detective agency, which operates in Punjab and Himachal, on condition of anonymity, claimed that his agency was dealing with about 250 cases from across the state this February as compared to an average of 50 cases per month during the remaining year. “Most cases relate to spying on individuals in the week before Valentine’s Day,” he said. Agencies charge anything between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 for spying for 3-4 days in each case, depending on the movements of the subject (person who is under vigil).

“High-tech video and photo cameras capable of capturing the subject from a distance are used by these agencies. However, secrecy about the client is also maintained,” said the private detective. It was learnt that to avoid legal complications, private detective agencies obtained work request letters from clients, with reasons for spying.

Gaurav Tiwari, who runs a private detective agency in Chandigarh said, “There has been an increase in the number of people approaching private agencies for spying. The numbers of cases increase as Valentine’s Day nears.”