In light of increasing criminal activity and threats to public safety, South Goa District Magistrate Egna Cleetus, IAS, has issued a comprehensive order mandating strict tenant and guest verification procedures across the district. The order aims to curb the misuse of rented and temporary accommodations by criminals, including potential terrorists and anti-social elements.
As per the order, all owners of residential premises—including houses, buildings, flats, and temporary accommodations—are now required to verify the identity of all tenants or occupants. This verification must be conducted using valid identity documents such as voter ID cards, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, passports, or smart cards. The directive also applies to owners and managers of hotels, lodges, guesthouses, paying guest accommodations, shacks, and religious institutions that provide any form of residential stay.
Importantly, no accommodation—whether for short or long-term stay—may be let, sublet, or rented out unless the complete particulars of the tenant or guest are submitted to the officer-in-charge of the local police station. All proprietors and managers are required to maintain detailed records of their occupants, which must be available for inspection by police or any authorised authority.
In addition, the heads of nationalised banks operating in South Goa have been directed to strengthen ATM security by deploying security personnel round-the-clock and installing surveillance systems. These systems must include CCTV cameras or Electronic Survey Systems (ESS) equipped with panic buttons, two-way communication, and remote access control features.
The District Magistrate has authorised Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates to ensure compliance with this order. They are empowered to verify violations, register First Information Reports (FIRs), and lodge complaints before the appropriate judicial authorities.
The order comes after reports from the Superintendent of Police revealed that certain criminals have been residing in hotels using fake names, bogus addresses, and false contact information. After committing crimes, these individuals often become untraceable due to inaccurate or falsified information in hotel and guesthouse registers. This poses a significant security risk, especially if such accommodations are used by terrorists or other anti-social elements.
The authorities have also noted that many landlords and property managers tend to rent out accommodations without proper background checks or notifying local police, which exacerbates the problem. The new order is a proactive step to close these loopholes and enhance safety and security in South Goa.