Nagpur: The Nagpur city police have issued strict guidelines for OYO hotels, lodges, guest houses, homestays and similar accommodation facilities, making customer identity verification and preservation of CCTV footage for at least 90 days mandatory. The directions aim to enhance guest safety and prevent crimes such as human trafficking, illegal prostitution and fraud.

The order, signed by Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil, directs accommodation providers to verify a valid identity document of every guest before allotting a room. Details from documents such as Aadhaar cards, driving licences or passports must be recorded in registers or digital systems.

Hotels must maintain accurate check-in and check-out records, including the guest’s name, address, mobile number, identity document details and arrival and departure times.

Operators have also been directed to immediately inform the concerned police station about suspicious activities, fake identity documents, illegal activities or any possibility of a crime.

CCTV footage to be preserved for 90 days

CCTV cameras must remain operational at entrances and other important public areas of the premises. Footage from these cameras must be preserved for at least 90 days or longer and made available immediately if sought by police during an investigation. Faulty CCTV systems must also be repaired without delay.

Checks on unregistered visitors

Hotels have been instructed to exercise caution before allowing unregistered or unfamiliar persons into guest rooms. Owners must also maintain updated identification, residential certificates and other required documents of all employees and officials.

Special caution regarding minors

Accommodation providers have been directed to strictly follow applicable laws and safety regulations in cases involving minors. Valid identification and residence details must be verified and the legally prescribed procedure completed before allowing accommodation.

Rules clarified for unmarried couples

The order also clarifies that when both a man and woman are adults aged 18 years or above, staying together in a hotel with their mutual consent is legal. However, hotels must verify their identity and age and record the required details. Aadhaar cards, driving licences or passports have been specified as valid identity documents for verification.

Zero tolerance for illegal activities

The police have adopted a “zero tolerance” approach towards human trafficking and other illegal activities in accommodation facilities. Hotels have been directed to immediately contact police if any such activity is detected.

Immediate police assistance must also be sought in cases involving serious offences, fights or assaults, suspicious deaths, suicide attempts, missing persons or other emergencies.

Order in force till November 9

Accommodation providers violating the order may face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The order will remain in force from midnight on September 11, 2026, to midnight on November 9, 2026.