Santhoshi, a 24-year-old college student in Bengaluru, recently faced a chilling incident when a stranger entered her locked room, claiming to be there for cleaning with a master key. This unsettling event highlights growing safety issues in paying guest (PG) accommodations across the city.
The problem gained renewed attention after the brutal murder of 24-year-old Kriti Kumari in her PG in Koramangala. Despite having security measures, the premises were left unsecured when Kriti was attacked. The lack of adequate security in many PGs has become a critical concern, with recent reports revealing that several PGs in the city are unlicensed and fail to meet basic safety standards.
Bengaluru’s PG sector is vast, housing around 17 lakh residents, but only 1,810 PGs have proper licenses. The BBMP’s 2024 guidelines require PG owners to implement stringent security measures, including identity verification, visitor logs, and CCTV installations. However, compliance remains a challenge, and many PGs continue to operate without proper authorization or adequate safety protocols.
Residents have shared experiences of lax security, with instances of unauthorized access and inadequate supervision. These incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to protect residents.
Authorities are now intensifying efforts to regulate unlicensed PGs and ensure they adhere to safety standards, aiming to prevent further tragedies and improve living conditions for students and professionals.
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