Police increase vigil on hotels along beaches, instruct hoteliers to maintain records of guests
Police increase vigil on hotels along beaches, instruct hoteliers to maintain records of guests
The abduction, molestation and rape of two teenage girls, including actor-turned-director, Deepak Tijori's daughter, has suddenly brought the spotlight back on hotels and lodges, which are a hub of unlawful activities.
u00a0
Following the arrest of Pritesh Doshi (24), who allegedly raped Tijori's daughter in a hotel in Madh island, the Mumbai police has increased vigil on small hotels across the city.
ADVERTISEMENT
The police have already sent circulars stating rules and regulations that hoteliers need to follow, while renting out rooms.
u00a0
They have been given strict instructions not to take any bookings without checking the age and identification of guests.
u00a0
Entry restricted
Suresh Khopde, additional commissioner of police (North), said, "We will make it mandatory for hotels to note down the visitor's PAN card or driving licence number in the guests' register once they check in.
If any boy comes in with a girl who looks underage, the couple should not be given a room."
Hotels and lodges, especially in areas like Madh island, Gorai, Marve, are under the scanner of the cops.
Surprise checks to ensure that hoteliers are following rules will be conducted regularly and those flouting norms will be booked.
Musa Shaikh, assistant commissioner of police, Malwani police station, said, "We will conduct frequent checks at hotels along beaches such as Marve, Madh, Manori as number of abuse cases reported from these areas are on the rise."
u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
According to Shaikh, hoteliers are equally responsible for unlawful activities. "Hotels provide bookings without registering complete details of the guests such as their full names, age etc," he added.
u00a0
On their guard
Hoteliers agree that they need to maintain more caution and promise to comply with the rules issued by the police.
Prakesh Sonawane, manager, Samadhan Residency, Malad said, "We always check the identification of our guests before giving them rooms to avoid any criminal activities.
We will follow the orders of the police."
However, the staff at Mantra Residency, Madh, where Doshi allegedly raped Tijori's daughter, refused to speak on the subject.
Interestingly, S P Jain, president, HRA, Western India, said that most lodges and hotels in Madh, Manori do not belong to the association.
"Hotels are responsible if unlawful activities take place on their premises. Hoteliers should not give bookings to men with minor girls."
Play By The Rules
>u00a0Check identification of guests (PAN card, driving license, election card)
> Don't give rooms to young boys or men accompanied by minor girls
> If any illegal activities take place, inform cops immediately
> Maintain records of important details of the guests (phone number, address etc)
> CCTV cameras should be installed in every room
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
