Complexes take tech guard, boost ID checks after Senior Citizen’s murder in Kolkata’s New Garia
Times of India | 25 August 2025
Kolkata: Housing complexes and resident welfare associations (RWAs) across the city are tightening security protocols after a 79-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her ayah or caregiver at her New Garia home. Her 87-year-old husband was also allegedly assaulted. At South City, the RWA has installed face recognition machines and issued Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards with photographs for all helps, ayahs, and drivers. "To work as an ayah or domestic help at our complex, one has to submit a police verification certificate to the property management office. Only after that, we take their photos and issue RFID cards," said Manoj Gupta of South City complex. The RWA at Silver Spring has made KYC verification mandatory for all domestic help even if hired for a day, said its RWA secretary, Ashok Baid. "They have to enter their details in a digital gate entry app. We have a senior citizen management group who take care of the daily needs of the elderly residents within the complex," said Ashok Baid, the RWA Secretary.
At Diamond City West, every worker has to submit their personal details, IDs, and photographs before the RWA, which they themselves send to the local police station. The RWA has also formed a dedicated WhatsApp group to take care of elderly residents. "We have also circulated notices asking residents to be cautious about letting outsiders enter. But incidents like these make us more alert," said Deepak Agarwal, a senior member of the RWA. | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in KolkataAt Daffodil Greens in Tollygunge, RWA secretary Sudip Roychowdhury said identity documents verification is mandatory and CCTV coverage on the premises has been enhanced. Even delivery personnel have been restricted from entering the compound.
At Park View Apartment in Behala, RWA officials are reaching out to the residents to ensure they do police verification of their domestic helps. Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Verma has directed all police stations to introduce a new verification form for senior citizens' safety. The form will track elderly residents, particularly those availing caregiver services, and record details such as the duration of employment and whether the caregiver is temporary. Each police station will designate an officer to visit senior citizens' homes with the form. It will be also available online.