Tenant verification has emerged as an important measure adopted by the Goa Police to combat crime by ensuring that landlords verify the identity and antecedents of people renting their premises. The objective is to prevent criminals from taking shelter under fictitious identities and addresses and escaping police detection. It is learnt that as many as 4,33,000 tenants have been verified over the last three years. However, the important question is whether this extensive verification drive has contributed towards reducing criminal activities. The recent sexual assault of a minor at Canacona, allegedly involved a tenant. In the Mapusa case involving the sexual assault of another minor, the accused was reportedly a pavement dweller. It is learnt that the Old Goa Police have undertaken verification drives in labour colonies, including open and secluded locations where people reside. This is a welcome initiative that needs to be replicated by all police stations across the state. While tenant verification is necessary, the police must also pay attention to people occupying pavements, abandoned structures, open spaces and isolated locations, particularly those who spend their nights there. Regular inspections, intelligence gathering and coordination between police stations are equally essential.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
