The police have decided to regulate the working of paying guest accommodations, hostels, and service apartments in the city following complaints about the circulation of drugs, and other illegal activities.
In an order issued under Sections 65 and 70 of the Karnataka Police Act on Friday, Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil has asked all those managing paying guest facilities, hostels, and service apartments to get the necessary licence from the local authority.
The owners have been asked to submit their contact details and identification documents to the jurisdictional police station.
They have also been asked to submit details of the persons who are staying. If the inmates are foreign nationals, copies of their VISA should be submitted, even if they have recently vacated, the order stated.
Mr. Patil has directed the establishments to install closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) sets with one CCTV pointing towards the road at the entrance. The CCTV footage should be stored for 30 days and should be given to the police when sought. They have been given 15 days to comply with this stipulation.
While asking owners to take steps to prevent unauthorised access onto their premises, Mr. Patil directed them not to allow their place to be used for any illegal activity. If any illegal activity is found, the police will book the owner. Mr. Patil has barred PGs, hostels and service apartments from holding any activity beyond their purview, including events using music systems with high decibel levels, Mr. Patil said in the order.