Kolkata Police renews searches at Mini-Bangla hotels after terror attack in Delhi

Kolkata: After the terror attack in Delhi's Chandni Chowk, Kolkata Police has increased its vigilance, especially at hotels and guest houses,particularly in central Kolkata, ‘Mini Bangladesh' area, and Sealdah station zone.

Teams of Kolkata Police carried out checks in several small and medium-sized hotels on Marquis Street, Free School Street, and Collin Street— popularly referred to as ‘Mini Bangladesh' for their concentration of visitors from the neighbouring country. The drive is aimed at verifying the identities of guests and ensure compliance by the hotel owners with the guidelines laid down by the authorities. Police officers examined hotel registers, tallied the number of occupants with entries in the check-in records, and scrutinised identity documents submitted at the time of check-in.


"We carried out checks in several hotels in the area. The staff has been instructed to alert us if they notice any suspicious person or activity," said an officer from Park Street Police Station.

The South Traffic guard officers also contributed. "We held a meeting with parking agents of the area. Given that the blast was carried out through a car, we sensitised them. We have asked the parking agents to report all vehicles with tinted glass or cars that are haphazardly parked with the intention to block the inflow and outflow of vehicles," said an officer.

The police also directed hotel staff to report any unclaimed baggage or suspicious behaviour immediately to the nearest station.

A similar operation was conducted around Sealdah station, where a large number of budget hotels cater to travellers and daily commuters.

"No irregularities have been found so far, but we are maintaining heightened alertness," said an officer. Hotel managers said they were cooperating fully with the police and following all necessary rules.

"We ask for valid photo identification before a guest checks in and record details," said the manager of a hotel on Marquis Street. Special teams have been formed by the Park Street, Muchipara, New Market, Taltala, Kasba, and Karaya police stations, besides the specialised vigilance by STF and state and central intelligence units.

These teams are also gathering detailed information about the older bookings.

Earlier, at a virtual meeting, police commissioner Manoj Verma instructed all police stations to remain vigilant. The Kolkata Police top brass pointed out that checkpoints need to be reinforced across 80 locations.