Terrorists may seek hide outs in the residential areas of Mumbai. A circular issued by Mumbai Police has warned Landlords, Realty Brokers and even tenants asking them to inform local Police station while they rent out a place.
By Varun Singh
Terrorists to cause problems in the city of Mumbai may rent an apartment here. Hence, Mumbai Police has asked all landlords, brokers to inform them while they give a property on rent.
The circular signed by Pranaya Ashok, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations and Executive Magistrate, Mumbai is issued under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code-1973. Ashok confirmed the order and said it was a routine procedure.
The circular states, “Whereas reports have been received that due to the situation prevailing in the areas under the control of Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, it is apprehended that terrorists, anti-social elements may seek hide outs in the residential areas.”
There also is a likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility and also there is grave danger to human life and safety and injury to public property on this account.
Hence, the police says that it is necessary that she checks should be put on landlords/tenants so that terrorists, ant-social elements in the guise of tenants may not cause explosion, riots. shootouts, affray and other things. Thus immediate action is necessary to prevent the same.
Thus the police has ordered that no landlord, owner or person of any house, property, which falls under the jurisdiction of Mumbai Police shall let/sub-let/rent out any accommodation to any person, unless and until he has furnished the particulars of the tenants to the Senior Police Inspector of the local police station.
Even tenants who intend to take accommodation on rent shall inform in writing to the Senior Police Inspector in writing.
Even property brokers ave also been asked to inform the local police station about the tenants whom they are helping in getting the accommodation on rent. However, brokers aren’t complaining.
Yashika Rohira, a realty brokers fro Bandra area said, “Steps to ensure public safety and better regulated preventive protocols are welcome and a must to comply for all brokers/homeowners. Such change is observed positively by brokers and must comply in assisting Mumbai police in the verification policy.”
In case of a foreigner if has been leased out a property, then the owner and the foreigner will have to furnish all the details including his passport, visa, place and date of issue of passport, registration number, visa category and others.
The order shall come in force from Saturday January 25, and shall be effective for a period of 60-days, that is up to March 24. Any person found contravening this order shall be punishable under section 188 of the IPC.
Prakkash Rohira, Advocate Bombay High Court says, “For better effect, this policy must extend to entire state of Maharashtra and made available online to senior officers/ATS only. Its no herculean task for a broker to comply.”
