In a move to tighten security and enhance vigilance across Kolkata’s burgeoning accommodation sector, the Bidhannagar police, under the leadership of DCP Airport, held a crucial meeting on Friday with representatives from hotels, guesthouses, and lodges operating under the Baguiati and airport police stations.
The meeting, also attended by ACP Airport and Additional IC Airport police stations, comes in the wake of recent incidents highlighting loopholes in guest verification and security protocols, following the arrest of shooters implicated in the murder of Patna-based gangster Chandan Mishra. To ensure ongoing coordination and prompt communication, a dedicated WhatsApp group is being established, facilitating direct interaction between the police and accommodation providers, revealed officials.
The Indian Express had reported how the Patna hospital murder case drew renewed attention to the Shukhobrishti housing complex in New Town, where the vehicle carrying the accused was parked for 40-45 minutes.
Sukhobrishti, a massive residential project, has previously been linked to criminal activities, including a police shootout with wanted gangsters in 2021. The Patna shooters had contacted a common contact in Sukhobrishti, and their vehicle was traced, which was parked there for 40-45 minutes, the police had revealed.
Authorities had also acknowledged the challenges posed by the sheer size of such complexes, a high proportion of tenants from outside the state, and the common practice of subletting, which complicates thorough background checks.
Apart from this, five people were apprehended from the guest house in Madurdaha, Anandapur, which exposed lapses in document verification. A case has since been filed against the guest house under Section 223(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobeying government directives, despite the owner’s claims of adhering to ID verification procedures.
Addressing these concerns, the meeting focused on a comprehensive set of directives aimed at bolstering security measures. Key discussions revolved around:
Mandatory SARAI licensing and guest verification: Emphasising strict adherence to SARAI licensing requirements and robust guest verification procedures, including mandatory ID checks, completion of detailed guest forms, and photographic records of all visitors.
Maintenance of comprehensive registers: Hotels and accommodations were instructed to meticulously maintain visitor logs and staff registers, with a strong emphasis on police verification of all personnel.
Reporting out-of-state guests and suspicious activities: A critical point of discussion was the immediate reporting of out-of-state guests and any suspicious activities to local police stations to pre-empt potential criminal hideouts and illegal operations.
Awareness and prevention of criminal activities: Operators were urged to maintain heightened awareness regarding potential criminal hideouts, cyber frauds, and any channelisation of illegal activities. Strict restrictions on minors without guardians were also reiterated.
Enhanced security infrastructure and safety measures: The meeting stressed the mandatory installation and 24/7 operation of CCTV cameras with a minimum 60-day footage retention period. Furthermore, robust fire safety measures, including regular drills and clear evacuation plans, along with the installation of panic buttons and adherence to first aid protocols, were made compulsory.