Over 87% of reports sent to SDMs by police between 2024 and June this year
Panaji: In the past five and a half years, Goa police have sent 152 reports to the sub divisional magistrates (SDM) against house owners for failing to submit tenant verification forms.
Government data shows that over 87 per cent of these reports (133) were sent between 2024 and June this year.
Police said reports were filed under relevant sections of the law for violation of the district magistrate’s order. Punishment in such cases can be simple imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 2,500, or both.
Tenant verification is important because strangers may commit crimes and abscond without leaving a trace, said police, adding that the exercise has helped prevent criminal activities and maintain public safety.
While the verification process also helps establish the antecedents of tenants, no person with a criminal background has been found so far.
According to police, around 915 tenant verification drives have been conducted since 2020, during which lakhs of tenants were verified. The maximum number of drives was held from 2024 to June 2025.
Police officials said a special tenant/servant/foreigner verification initiative was launched under the banner ‘Know Your Neighbour’. Verification forms are sent to the native police stations of tenants, servants and strangers for checks.
House owners have been urged to submit verification forms for their safety and security. Surprise inspections are also conducted in each police jurisdiction to trace unverified tenants.
Police said regular patrolling is maintained by beat officers and station staff as part of the drive. Beat and plain-clothes staff have been directed to visit door-to-door and create awareness on the importance of tenant verification, which they said helps check character and antecedents of tenants.
