Team Herald
MARGAO: In a bid to curb thefts, assaults, and other criminal activities, police stations across South Goa have intensified tenant verification drives, processing a total of 37,400 forms from January to September this year.
According to a senior police officer from Salcete, there has been a significant rise in tenant verification forms across various police stations in South Goa. These forms involve background checks to ensure that tenants have no prior criminal records or police charges. From January to July, 24,123 tenant verification forms were registered, and this number has since grown to 37,400 until September.
Verna Police Station recorded the highest number of forms filed till September, with 8,639 submissions, followed by Colva Police Station with 4,895 forms and Mardol Police Station with 3,414 forms.
Lower figures were reported by Quepem Police Station (958 forms), Curchorem Police Station (1,116 forms), and the lowest by Collem Police Station (457 forms).
Margao-based advocate Priyesh Madkaiker highlighted the importance of tenant verification under the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Bill, 2021, which enforces strict penalties for property owners and tenants who fail to submit details to the local police. Violators risk fines, and landlords may be held legally responsible for any criminal activities committed by tenants.
A senior police officer added that databases of migrant labourers are being created, and hotel and lodge management in South Goa have been instructed to retain copies of guest identification documents even after their departure. This step aims to prevent criminals from posing as labourers and renting accommodations, especially in coastal regions.
Social activist Mahesh Nayak pointed out a rise in theft cases in Salcete over the past nine months, with valuables such as gold, cash, and electronic items being stolen, but few cases have been solved. Chain-snatching incidents, particularly in Salcete and parts of Margao, remain a concern, with no significant arrests made.
A senior citizen living in an apartment expressed concerns about burglars targeting isolated apartments in Salcete with easy escape routes. He urged for increased nighttime patrolling, particularly in vulnerable areas.