Bengaluru PG security gaps persist despite BBMP guidelines

Bengaluru: A recent sexual assault complaint filed by a college student against her paying guest (PG) owner has once again exposed serious lapses in safety and accountability across Bengaluru’s PG accommodations.

In August 2024, the BBMP issued stringent guidelines to improve security in PGs. These included CCTV cameras at all entry points, 24/7 security personnel, minimum 70 sqft of personal space for each resident, fire safety clearance, and a valid FSSAI licence for those serving food.

Yet, a year later, many PGs continue to flout these rules with impunity.

Shalini, a 23-year-old postgraduate student staying in a PG on Palace Road, said there was still no security guard posted at her accommodation. “We have raised multiple requests, but the owner insists the manager is enough. The manager leaves by 7 pm, and there is no staff presence at night. During emergencies, we have no one to reach out to,” she said.

Another resident from Ejipura narrated how a man stayed in a room shared by two women for almost two days before being caught. “There are strictly no men allowed, and we even have a security guard. But without CCTV, we do not know how or when he entered. The owners do not seem to care,” she said.

Reality check

When DH contacted 10 PG accommodations across Bengaluru posing as a prospective tenant, five did not ask for any government ID.

A PG in Srirampura accepted a PAN card, which does not mention the residential address. Two PGs in Indiranagar offered double-sharing rooms without requiring any identification. A Maruthi Sevanagar PG demanded a doubled deposit — Rs 14,000 instead of Rs 7,000 — when the caller said they did not have Aadhaar. The facility had no night security and no working CCTV system.

A PG on New BEL Road, housing around 70 women, requested the Aadhaar of a Bengaluru-based guardian rather than that of the resident.

Most PGs had CCTV cameras only at the entrance, not across floors or shared spaces.

BBMP must do its bit: Police

Rows of paying guest accommodations and co-living buildings in Whitefield. DH PHOTO/PUSHKAR V

A senior police officer said the City Visitors Information Record Management System is regularly updated and that patrols around PGs are prioritised. “We also conduct meetings with PG owners to discuss safety measures,” the officer said.

Another senior policeman said that the BBMP must do more to enforce the rules it created. “We are trying our best by strengthening patrolling. But unless the BBMP ensures compliance, these gaps will remain,” he said.