Police book owners & managers of five hotels during two-day drive for failure to maintain proper guest record

Nashik: The Trimbakeshwar police in Nashik rural registered cases against the owners and managers of five hotels for failing to maintain proper guest registration records during a two-day special drive against errant hotels and lodges ending on Tuesday in view of the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is expected to draw a massive influx of pilgrims.The initiative was aimed to ensure strict compliance with security guidelines issued to accommodation providers.Inspector Mahesh Kulkarni said, “The owners and managers of the hotels and lodges have been booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience to orders issued by a public servant. They basically failed to maintain proper registration logs of the guests checking into their establishments.”He stressed that maintaining detailed visitor logs and collecting valid identity proof were mandatory requirements. “Such inspections will continue in the lead-up to the Kumbh Mela, given the anticipated heavy footfall. Anti-social elements can attempt to blend in with pilgrims and misuse local accommodation to plan or carry out criminal activities,” the police said.“Superintendent of police D S Swami has issued strict directives to ensure that these checks are conducted regularly,” Kulkarni said.The police also highlighted that criminals often use hotels and lodges to evade law enforcement or execute illegal activities. Hoteliers have, therefore, been urged to maintain accurate visitor records, collect proper identification and ensure comprehensive CCTV surveillance to help identify all guests, the police added.