Landlord Booked in Mira Road for Sheltering Nigerian Nationals with Cocaine Worth ₹1.20 Crore | File Photo
Mira-Bhayandar: Two days after two Nigerian nationals were arrested in Mira Road after they were found to be in possession of cocaine worth more than Rs 1.20 crore, the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police have registered an offence against the landlord for failing to provide information while leasing out his flat to the accused duo.
The anti-narcotics cell (ANC) attached to the MBVV police had arrested Mike Okocha (40) and Jekwu Samuel (45) with the contraband on 1, December. The duo also failed to produce legitimate documents to authorise their stay in the country.
Further investigations revealed that the Nigerian nationals were currently residing in a third floor flat in Karimi building in Mira Road owned by Adiveppa Devidutt Santan.
After verifications the police found that Santan had violated the order issued by the deputy police commissioner (headquarters) under section 163 (1) (2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) which mandates owner of properties to upload details of their tenants on websites: www.mahapolice.gov.in or mbvv.mahapolice.gov.in to facilitate verification process by the local police.
Despite housing the Nigerians, the owner had also not submitted Form C-an important document mandated by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) which used to monitor and report the accommodation of foreign nationals to ensure their movements are tracked for security and administrative purposes.
Apart from section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and offence under the provisions of the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 and Foreigners Act, 1946 has been registered against Santan at the Naya Nagar police station in Mira Road.
Besides paying fines, convictions in such cases can also attract jail terms. Apart from landlords, it is binding upon establishments including- hotels, lodges, clubs and guest houses to submit details of their foreign tenants/ guests in the prescribed format to the local police station within 24 hours.
