A long queue of people at the Panaji police station for the tenant verification process on Thursday.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
PANAJI
As the deadline for tenant verification ended on Thursday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant issued a final ultimatum to house owners to get their tenants registered with the police; failing which hefty fines will be imposed.
The State government had set a deadline of October 10 to comply with the tenant verification after the Bill's passage. Police have ramped up tenant verification drives across the State.
The CM urged residents who are yet to complete the verification process to do so voluntarily within the next few days.
“Those who did not complete the verification should willingly come and do it. If the police find non-compliance, the concerned violators will be imposed Rs 10,000 penalty and face necessary action," he added urging cooperation from the public.
Sawant also mentioned that the entire process is free of cost. "Residents are encouraged to bring valid proof of identification for their tenants during the verification process. This precautionary measure is for the safety and well-being of both Goans and tenants," Sawant said.
Cops accused of charging for forms
PANAJI: As the tenant verification process intensified across all police station jurisdictions, Advocate Amit Palekar levelled serious allegations claiming that the department has been charging for these forms without issuing receipts.
Goa Police has requested a formal complaint regarding the matter, assuring a probe by the Vigilance Department.
Palekar initially raised the issue on X stating, “New scam in the name of tenants verification by @Goa_Cops. Forms kept with photocopier costing Rs 30. For urgent submissions Rs 500 and for regular submissions Rs 100 is collected at every PS. Whom it is collected for @DGP_Goa? CM @DrPramodPSawant are you aware of this scam?”
To this, the official X handle of Goa Police stated they have not received any complaints. “This is to inform everyone that Goa Police has not received any complaints in this matter. If anyone has a specific complaint, please approach senior officials. We will get it thoroughly investigated by the vigilance department,” it said.
Palekar reaffirmed his allegations claiming he would lodge a formal complaint with the police. “I am firm on my statement that police are taking money without receipt for tenant verification at the police station. I am ready to file a complaint and DGP and SP should conduct an investigation,” he said, naming the police stations and outposts where the irregularities were occurring.
