Herald: How many cases of non filling of tenant verification forms have come to the fore so far?
Sunil Garg: We would not know whether any landlord has a tenant unless a Tenant Verification Form comes to us, or through our personnel we collect intelligence. So far, we received more than 1000 forms which were processed to our counterparts in other states immediately. It takes us just one day to dispatch the form to our counterparts from where the concerned tenant hails. The concerned SPs of that particular State are directly involved in the verification. It may take one or two months to get reply from our counterparts.
Herald: What action has been taken against erring landlords?
SG: When we come across any case wherein landlord/landlady keeps a tenant without getting their verification done, we submit a report to the concerned deputy collector who then files a complaint against them. We registered 37 cases last year which are currently under investigation. This year, so far we have registered five cases. The matter involving the Saligao based landlady who rented out her bungalow to a tenant and failed to verify whether it was her actual tenant is pending with the deputy collector. The tenant turned out to be D gang member Shyam Garikapatti
Herald: How are the beat cops operating? Are beat cops are aware that most of the people on rents are without agreements and pay cash?
SG: The beat system was almost defunct until three to four months ago when we revived it. We have now systematically placed things at our disposal. Beat constables are identified by their names, the area assigned and their contact numbers are noted in booklets. It also has instructions about patrolling duty, verifying if any stranger is found living at any place and getting their identity confirmed. They are also entrusted with the duty to sensitize landlords/landlady to ensure verification of tenants. If any house owner is unable to do so, the concerned beat constable delivers the form to them and even furnishes them to police station for onward processing.
Herald: Most of the houses which are rented out are without licences? Is the police aware of this? What action is being taken?
SG: We have no jurisdiction about the agreement or payment. Our subject is ensuring tenant verification and that of strangers as well.
Herald: Largest number of people in the rented shanties are migrants and similarly large number of burglaries and robberies involve them. Are you doing anything to map these migrants?
SG: We have already begun combing operation of slums areas such as Margao near the railway station, Vasco and other suspected places. The builders who bring in migrant daily wagers are issued notices to get their employees’ verification done or face action. Surprise checks will continue.
Herald: How is community policing working? There are places where meetings with general public are hardly conducted.
SG: Community policing has become popular now and it is not true that such meetings are irregular. Police stations are asked to carry out monthly meetings with the general public and if possible, daily too. We are now in the process of involving students wherein they will be shown the working of police at the police stations, shown weapons (but not allowed to touch or operate them). Policemen will be taught how to behave with elders and senior citizens and they in turn will be encouraged to contact the police in case there are any problems in their respective areas. This is a new initiative we are planning to launch next month essentially to ensure citizens that policemen are with them. This will further strengthen police-community relations.
