Team Herald
PANJIM: In view of intelligence inputs regarding possible terror threats along the western coast, Goa government has imposed Section 144 across the north district. The landlords, renting out their premise to tenants besides hotels, guest houses, etc have been asked to ensure proper verification of their visitors.
“In view of the prevailing situation in the country and intelligence inputs regarding possible terror threats along the Western Coast of India and the possibility of anti-social elements with an intention of committing crime in Goa/elsewhere staying in house/flats/building premises on rent, it is necessary to ensure proper verification of the antecedents of persons staying in residential accommodation on rent or in hotels, lodging and boarding, private guesthouses, paying guest accommodation of religious bodies, etc,” the order issued by North District Collector R Menaka on February 10, states.
These institutions, Menaka has said, should verify the bonafides of the persons through their proof of identity such as election card, driving license, Aadhaar Card, passport, etc, and should fill in the tenant/visitor/guest verification form in respect of their tenants/visitors/guests before such persons are allowed to reside/stay in their premises. These records should be furnished to the local police station for further verification and record.
The order also implies to owners of such premises who have so far not furnished the verification forms. The order will remain in force for a period of 60 days, till April 10, 2020. Any person contravening this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in the recently concluded Budget session of the Assembly had stated that government will soon introduce a new Verification of Tenant Bill that will give powers to the police to prosecute the violators. Under this proposed law, the landlord who fails to ensure verification of his/her tenants will face penal action. Meantime, the Goa Police have launched a drive to verify the tenants across the State.
