Police Raid Hotels In Bhubaneswar; Know Why

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police conducted raids at 58 hotels in Bhubaneswar to check the veracity of information shared by the hotels on SARAI app.

Police teams raided 14 hotels in Master Canteen area, 27 in Ashok Nagar, 7 in area under Laxmisagar police station limits and 10 in Chandrasekharpur area.

After a series of thefts and criminals hiding in hotels, police launched SARAI App and hotels with lodging facilities were asked to share information regarding guests within and outside Odisha in it.

On Monday, the raids were conducted to crosscheck whether correct information is being provided on the App and if all were adhering to the guidelines under SARAI.

During the verification, that will continue for some more days, police will take strict action against hotels that did not provide information through SARAI App.

It is pertinent to mention that Commissionerate Police launched the application in August last year. The application had been made mandatory for the hotels and lodges of Bhubaneswar where all details including guests’ information can be updated on a daily basis.

Earlier hotels and lodges used to give such information through hard copy or email to nearest police stations. After the launch of SARAI App hotels, lodges and commercial guest houses have been providing information through the mobile app or its web version.

The data is centrally stored and monitored with less physical intervention of police. This was started with an aim to provide a safe and secure and safe atmosphere in Bhubaneswar. Moreover, the information collected is kept confidential.