Team Herald
MARGAO: South Goa Collector and District Magistrate Egna Cleetus, IAS, has issued an order mandating the verification of all tenants and guests by landlords, hoteliers, and property owners in the district.
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The directive applies to house, building, and flat owners as well as hotels, lodges, guesthouses, religious accommodations, and temporary rental properties across South Goa. It states that property owners must verify the bonafides of tenants and guests through identification 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 must furnish the full details of tenants to the local police before occupancy.
Additionally, all accommodation providers are required to allow inspection and record maintenance in a designated police software system.
The order further instructs all nationalised banks in South Goa to deploy security guards for round-the-clock ATM security. Banks must also install CCTV cameras or Electronic Surveillance Systems (ESS) equipped with: Panic buttons and hooters, two-way communication systems, remote access control.
The order will be in effect from March 9, for 60 days, unless withdrawn earlier. Violations will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates of South Goa are authorised to investigate violations and file FIRs before the concerned court or police station. The Superintendent of Police (South Goa) has been directed to ensure compliance by all police stations in the district.
The order cites a report from the Superintendent of Police, South Goa, stating that criminals often stay in hotels or rented premises under false names and bogus addresses, making it difficult to trace them after crimes are committed.
Additionally, anti-social elements may use rental properties for illegal or immoral activities, making strict verification necessary. The order notes that some landlords and hoteliers rent out premises without background checks, increasing security risks.Considering these concerns, District Magistrate Egna Cleetus has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to enforce these measures.
