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Aurangabad: Five landlords booked for withholding tenant information

AURANGABAD: Landlords failing to provide details of their tenants to the nearest police station have come under the police scanner with as many as five offences being registered against defaulters in a single day.

The CIDCO and Jawahar Nagar police stations have registered two offences each, while the Mukundwadi police station has recorded one such offence in the 24 hours ending on Sunday morning.
Landlords from Garkheda, N-9 and Mukundwadi areas faced the heat of the latest police action.

The city police have appealed to the property owners to complete necessary formalities in keeping with the law. The non-compliance is in violation of section 144 of the CrPC and an offence under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC.

While the offence attracts punishment of up to six-month imprisonment, fine of Rs 1,000, or both, offenders are usually slapped with a fine.

Madhukar Sawant, the in-charge of the Crime Branch of city police, said tenant verification is primarily considered to be a preventive measure, which is an important exercise in a sensitive city like Aurangabad.

“The main aim of collecting tenant information is to keep a tab on anti-social elements and criminals. The database also helps in case any serious issue involving public safety arises. Considering the security concerns of the society, landlords must extend their cooperation and submit the details,” he said.

Another senior police officer said tax evasion was one of the reasons why landlords avoided sharing tenant information. “Landlords fear that their income earned through rented properties could come under the scanner of the IT department and other competent authorities if the tenant information is shared with the police.

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We would like to assert that it is an illegal act to hide the information and could invite jail term,” officials said. “Even if the offence is bailable, landlords should realize that they could face serious consequences if they do not comply,” they added. Lack of awareness is cited as another key reason.

Aurangabad, which is known as the capital of Marathwada, witnesses large-scale migration — people come here to pursue studies, jobs or businesses. As per the Census of 2011, Aurangabad had a population of nearly 11.75 lakh. As per conservative estimates, the number may have increased to at least 15 lakh by now.

The city has witnessed geographical expansion over a period of one decade with many fringe areas, such as Satara-Deolai, Waluj and Harsul, witnessing rapid urbanization. The local civic body has around 2.83 lakh registered properties with it, but the number is expected to be far more in reality, said senior officials.

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