In a significant crackdown ahead of Republic Day, Jammu and Kashmir police have registered cases against eight property owners for allegedly renting out their premises to tenants without proper verification. The action underscores a heightened security drive in the region.
Police Intensify Tenant Verification Drive
The enforcement action was carried out on Saturday, targeting seven house owners in Jammu district and one in the neighboring Reasi district. Authorities stated that these individuals blatantly violated official orders issued by the respective District Magistrates, which mandate strict tenant verification protocols.
A senior Jammu police official confirmed that the drive to verify tenants has been intensified specifically in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. This period typically sees a tightening of security measures across the country to prevent any untoward incidents.
Incident in Katra Triggers Action
The case in Reasi district came to light following a police patrol in the Katra area. Officers noticed a group of people living in temporary shelters (jhuggis) engaged in a violent quarrel. Upon intervention and subsequent verification, it was discovered that the individuals involved were from outside the state and were residing at the location as unverified tenants.
This discovery directly led to the booking of the property owner for failing to adhere to the mandatory verification process. The police emphasized that the rule is crucial for maintaining public order and security.
Legal Consequences and Security Implications
The police action sends a strong message to all property owners in the region about their responsibilities. Renting out property to unverified individuals is not just an administrative lapse but a serious security concern, especially during sensitive periods.
The booked landlords now face legal proceedings under relevant sections of the law for non-compliance with district orders. This crackdown is part of a broader strategy to ensure that security agencies have a clear record of migrant populations and tenants, thereby plugging potential loopholes that could be exploited by anti-social elements.
Residents and property owners are urged to cooperate fully with the police and complete the tenant verification process promptly to avoid similar punitive action.
