Police issues fresh orders to landlords renting properties

Mumbai: Citing possibility of terror elements seeking hideouts in city’s residential areas, the Mumbai police has issued fresh orders to landlords and tenants to conduct police checks and verification before renting their properties.

The police officials have been asked to carry out thorough checks of newcomers in their respective areas and find out if the orders are being complied as per the police’s circular.

“The police stations conduct requisite checks in their jurisdiction and those found violating the order are prosecuted. It is a routine exercise for the police who gather details of newly rented places and crosscheck the verification details,” said Rashmi Karandikar, deputy commissioner of police (Operations).

The police officials said those who violate the norms would be booked under section 188 (disobedience to order promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which will make the accused liable for a jail term and a fine.

The accused would face a month long jail term or `200 fine, and if the evasion is of serious nature and leads to harm to others (like rioting, etc), the prison term could increase to six months or `1,000 fine.

The police circular cited the possibility of terrorists or similar elements taking advantage by circumventing the verification process. The circular stated that it would pose a danger to life and safety of the citizens.

“It is observed that many persons avoid verification and registration to save some money and time. However it could backfire if any untoward incident takes place,” added a police officer.

The police is also tapping their informers to gather details on rented properties.