Police Urge Hoteliers To Join Fight To Curb Human Trafficking, Prostitution

Nagpur: "Don't turn hotels into human trafficking bases or prostitution hubs," the cops have urged hotel owners, advising them to stop crime on their premises during a joint interactive session at Police Bhavan in Civil Lines on Friday. Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Mahek Swami, referring to Operation Shakti against trafficking, urged hotel and lodge owners to ensure their premises are not misused by racketeers for prostitution or trafficking. "If a minor is spotted with suspicious persons in hotels or lodges, inform police immediately. Do not allow check-ins on an hourly basis. Take a pledge of zero tolerance for exploitation on your premises," said Swami, adding that human trafficking also involves rackets of illegal organ trade, begging, and forced labour.City police, under Operation Shakti, have launched a concerted effort to curb human trafficking. The police-hotelier meeting session witnessed a reiteration of the mission. Additional commissioner of police (Addl CP) Shivaji Rathod emphasized Nagpur's significance as the hometown of high-profile personalities with top-level security, alongside international establishments under the radar of terrorists. "Alert police if individuals speaking different languages or behaving strangely are noticed," Rathod advised. Addl CP (Crime) Vasant Pardeshi stressed the importance of character verification for hotel and lodge staff to prevent criminal infiltration. Joint commissioner of police (Jt CP) Navinchandra Reddy noted that hotels, lodges, and similar premises are under police surveillance at the station level, including unregistered establishments. Responding to Tejinder Singh Renu, president of Nagpur Residential Hotel Association (NRHA), who raised concerns about unauthorized hotels mushrooming across the city, Reddy warned, "Do not operate without valid documentation." Under CP Ravinder Singal's supervision, senior officials reiterated mandatory guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the hotel industry.Hoteliers raised concerns about cheating and impersonation cases, seeking police intervention. The police highlighted that interstate gangs increasingly use hotels as bases for citywide criminal operations, often with minors checking in using fake Aadhaar cards, incorrect phone numbers, or other bogus credentials. Offences will be registered against hotel managements violating norms, police warned. Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Abhijeet Patil revealed that interstate gangs of burglars, chain-snatchers, robbers, and tricksters frequently target hotels near bus and railway stations. "Encourage electronic payments, maintain entry-exit records, and install updated CCTV systems with dual DVRs," Patil advised.Jt CP Reddy assured that police excesses would be addressed but urged hoteliers to act responsibly. Police instructed hoteliers to verify Aadhaar cards via apps, check cellphone numbers, and scrutinise credentials, especially for outstation guests with suspicious behaviour. CCTV surveillance, particularly audio-visual systems at receptions, was strongly recommended to enhance security.