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 670 forms on March 12.
According to a senior police officer from South Goa, there has been a significant rise in tenant verification forms across various police stations in the district. These forms involve background checks to ensure tenants have no prior criminal records or police charges.
Meanwhile, South Goa Collector and District Magistrate Egna Cleetus has issued an order mandating the verification of all tenants and guests by landlords, hoteliers, and property owners in the district.
The directive applies to house, building, and flat owners, as well as hotels, lodges, guesthouses, religious accommodations, and temporary rental properties across South Goa. Property owners must verify the identity of tenants and guests through documents such as Election Cards, Driving Licences, Aadhaar Cards, Passports, and Smart Cards.
The order strictly prohibits renting, subletting, or leasing any property within South Goa without informing the concerned police station. Landlords, tenants, and property owners are required to furnish full tenant details to the local police before occupancy. Additionally, all accommodation providers must facilitate inspection and record maintenance in a designated police software system.
The order came into effect on March 9 for 60 days unless withdrawn earlier. Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates of South Goa have been authorised to investigate violations and file FIRs before the concerned court or police station.
Margao-based advocate Vinay Patker highlighted that under the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Bill, 2021, there are strict penalties for property owners and tenants who fail to submit details to the local police station. In such cases, landlords may be held legally responsible for any criminal activities committed by tenants.
Police 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 measure aims to prevent criminals from posing as labourers and renting accommodations, particularly in coastal regions.
Meanwhile, senior citizen Laxman Naik expressed concern over the rising number of theft cases in Salcete over the past nine months. Valuables such as gold, cash, and electronic items have frequently been stolen, with few cases solved. Chain-snatching incidents, particularly in Salcete and parts of Margao, remain a concern, with no significant arrests made.
