Bengaluru woman booked for renting house to foreign nationals without police intimation

Bengaluru city police have registered a case against a woman for allegedly renting out her property to two foreign nationals without notifying authorities. The matter came to light after the Central Crime Branch (CCB) conducted a surprise inspection in Chudasandra on August 26.

During the operation, officials discovered two Ugandan women residing in the house without valid documentation. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the homeowner, identified as Ambuja, had not filed the mandatory Form-C, a requirement under the Foreigners Act. The form is crucial for recording the accommodation details of foreign nationals and ensuring their movements are tracked during their stay in India.

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Police said the woman failed to follow registration procedures and did not report her tenants to the jurisdictional police. A case has been filed against her under relevant sections of the Foreigners Act, and she is currently absconding. Efforts are underway to trace her. The two Ugandan women have been detained for further investigation into suspected visa violations and other possible offenses.

Authorities have reiterated that landlords must strictly comply with legal procedures when leasing property to foreign nationals. The absence of proper intimation not only breaches the law but also poses risks to public security.

Compliance with the Foreigners Act is not optional

Residents across Bengaluru are being reminded that compliance with the Foreigners Act is not optional. Any property owner renting to foreign nationals must submit Form-C online and alert the local police station. This process helps maintain transparency about the presence of foreign residents and aids in preventing misuse of rented premises. Non-compliance can attract criminal charges against landlords, even if done unknowingly. The city police continue to emphasize that adherence to these protocols is essential for both safety and legal protection.