Unlicenced PG accommodations to face closure

Paying guest accomodations in the city have come under scrutiny as the Bengaluru City Police (BCP) have warned that those operating unlicenced and flouting security guidelines would be shut down.

Southeast division police called a meeting of all PG owners and mangers in their jurisdiction on Tuesday at St John’s auditorium in their jurisdiction lie Madiwala, BTM layout and Koramangala.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) Dr Boralingaiah briefed 600-plus owners about security measures they need to follow.

Among other things, he stressed on the need for double-sided locks on doors to prevent laptop thefts. “In this area, there have been many cases of laptop thefts. Inmates keep the doors unlocked so as to not disturb their roommate when they enter late in the night. Owners should put double-sided locks to prevent this,” Dr Boralingaiah said.

PG owners were encouraged to report all suspicious incidents or behaviour from inmates to prevent illegal activities such as drug peddling and prostitution.

BBMP medical officer, Dr Bhagyalakshmi briefed owners about the process to obtain trade licenses. “We have simplified the process. All you need is a copy of the agreement with the owner of the building, an electricity bill and signed consent forms from two immediate neighbours,” she said. The license is to be displayed at the reception, along with a list of people residing there. Dr Bhagyalakshmi said that majority of the PGs in the city are unlicensed and therefore illegal.

City Police Commissioner Suneel Kumar who attended the meeting made it clear that PG owners would have to comply with the guidelines and obtain licenses within one month. Local police stations have been instructed to publicise information on a war footing, he added.

We also want to inform and educate inmates in the PGs. After the given time, we will send beat officers to visit PGs which are unlicensed and inform inmates that they are staying in illegal est0ablishments. We will give them time to make alternative arrangements,” Kumar told DH.

The police assured PG owners of any assistance they may need from the police. He clarified doubts as well.

Most owners appreciated the joint effort by the police and BBMP. "We are technically governed by the BBMP but the police are the ones issuing these guidelines. This leads to some confusion. The meeting has provided some clarity. " one owner said.