Police crack down on flats rented without registration

All police stations across the city have received a circular from the Mumbai police commissioner, Rakesh Maria, to act against the flat owners under section 188 of the IPC that states disobedience to order, duly given by public servant is punishable.

So far this year, four persons were arrested in Oshiwara and six persons in Versova when they failed to notify the police before renting out their flats.

“We put up notices .We also visit all housing societies individually to inform and ask them to notify the police before renting out flats, commercial places and guest houses even for few days,” said S Velle, senior police inspector, Oshiwara police.

The police also said when people rent flats through an estate agent, they usually register with the police, but when they rent out apartments on their own, they do not notify them which makes it difficult to keep a track on such flats.

“We have decided to conduct surprise checks on flats and commercial places to keep a watch on suspicious characters,” said Velle.

megha.sood@expressindia.com