Tilak Nagar police launch crackdown on non-compliant tenants after Baba Siddique’s murder

Mumbai: After it was learned that the shooters involved in the Baba Siddique case had rented a house in Kurla to secretly plan the murder, the Tilak Nagar police in Chembur launched a sweeping house check across their jurisdiction to identify any criminal elements or activities. Since then, around 10 first information reports (FIRs) have been filed against property owners for not following statutory tenant verification procedures, which require landlords to provide tenant details, including identification documents and lease agreements, to local police.

After it was learned that the shooters in the Baba Siddique case had rented a house in Kurla to secretly plan the murder, the Tilak Nagar police in Chembur have launched a sweeping sweep of houses across their jurisdiction to identify any criminal elements or activities. Since then, around 10 first information reports (FIRs) have been filed against property owners for not following statutory tenant verification procedures, which require landlords to provide tenant details, including identification documents and lease agreements, to local police.

In 2008, during the Mumbai terror attacks, the Bombay High Court issued guidelines mandating tenant screening to address growing concerns about crime and terrorist activity in urban areas, emphasizing stricter oversight of rental housing. As part of this process, landlords are required to collect documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards or passports along with their contact details from tenants. These details must be submitted to your local police station – in person or online – for verification. The mandate applies to both short-term and long-term tenants. Failure to comply may result in fines or lawsuits against property owners. This rule is now being actively enforced by the Tilak Nagar police station.

In the case of Siddiqui’s murder, Mumbai police revealed that the shooters rented properties to avoid detection and coordinate their actions. They are believed to have used fake identities or intermediaries to secure the lease. Following this revelation, police began a separate investigation to identify individuals who may have facilitated the shooters’ presence or who may have neglected tenant screening procedures. The investigation is ongoing.

“Verification of tenants is important to prevent such security breaches,” said Sandeep Pawar, PSI and member of the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) at Tilak Nagar police station. “So far, around 10 FIRs have been registered against property owners and landlords.” Most of the booked landlords have rented out their apartments to unknown tenants in areas like Amar Junction, PL Lokhande Marg, Ramabai Colony and Amir Baug – all in Chembur area.

“This practice is not limited to slums – it extends to apartments and buildings where owners either knowingly or negligently do not follow the rules,” Pawar explained. “Unlike previously when owners had to submit documents physically at the police station, the process can now be completed online in a few clicks. Tenant screening is critical for safety and security, especially to prevent unwanted activity.”

Police officials said in 10 FIRs they registered property owners and in some cases even tenants who did not have proper identification documents. No arrests have been made in these cases filed under Section 223 (disobedience to orders duly given to public servants) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In lieu of arrest, the accused are issued notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which recently replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). This section requires the police to issue a notice directing the accused to appear before them unless arrest is necessary. “Over the next two days, after interrogation and recording of evidence, we begin to draw up an indictment, which is then submitted to the court. Usually the court decides whether the accused faces punishment, a fine or both,” Pawar explained.

How to check a tenant:

Go to Mumbai Police website
Click on tenant information.
Fill out the form
Necessary documents for an attack
Submit form
Get confirmation and consult if necessary