from Ares
for Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Jul 9: Waking up to the grim reality of state hotels and lodges being used as hide out places by criminals wanted in different cases, the state police have decided to enact special legislation tightening noose around hoteliers not furnishing the information about their guests to the police.

Goa police were caught unawares when Mumbai police arrested Hitesh Bhagat from a posh hotel situated next to the state police headquarters. Bhagat was wanted in connection with the alleged murder of matka king Suresh Bhagat.

"I have no information about any such arrests. But we are already working on legislation which will debar fugitives from taking shelter in state's hotels," director general of police B S Brar told reporters few minutes after Bhagat was taken to Mumbai from Goa hotel on  Tuesday July 8.

None of the Goa police officials including the public relation officer was aware of the arrest.

"We have asked the guest houses, hotels, lodges and other rental places to keep a detailed record of guests. They have to submit it to the police as and when required," the DGP said.

Conceding that these places are turning in the hide outs, Brar said that a special legislation would be enacted before next tourist season to arrest such instances.

He said that the new Goa police act will also touch upon extensively on this aspect as state, being tourist destination, has numerous places of lodging.

Goa has 2,322 registered hotels including 83 starred and heritage hotels.

In the earlier cases, Goa has earned a bad reputation after many criminals were found taking shelter in the state in the guise of tourist.

"We require hoteliers and people in general to be sensitized on the issue. Making legislation will not solve the problem," Brar said. 

He said that the state police have already taken such a drive and many hoteliers are informing police regularly about their guest list.