Hyderabad: The midnight raid on couples staying at the resorts in Moinabad and Shameerpet by the Cyberabad police have disturbed resort owners. The police booked six cases against couples for alleged obscenity and illegal sexual relationships in Moinabad division. Since a fortnight police have been raiding resorts and checking whether the couples are married or not.
A resort owner on condition of anonymity said, “We are asking for ID proof from couples during check-in. But how can we ask them whether they are married or not? What gives us the right to ask such a question to a customer?” Resort owners are angry as the police has once again started checking at odd hours, especially on weekends and demanding to know whether the couples are married or not. Over three resorts had to cancel bookings from January 23 to January 26 as the police was raiding them every night. Another resort owner said, “I was forced to ask a customer whether they were married. The angry customer walked out. We are suffering losses due to this.”
The owners have complained to the Cyberabad police commissioner. The owner of a resort at Shameerpet said, “We are not admitting anyone below 18. The customers are consenting adults and they provide ID proof. If any couple is found to be suspicious or if there are fights between them we ask them to leave as we do not want police interference. Extra measures are being taken but we can’t ask a customer for marriage certificates which is infringing on their privacy.”
Moinabad inspector G. Srinivas said, “The raids are being carried out as there are complaints of illegal sex at resorts. We are checking to ensure that only legally married couples check in at hotels. Lovers or those having extramarital affairs must not be entertained.” The police claim that this is being done to control crime and to ensure that resort owners comply with the law.
The resort owners have warned that they will approach courts if they are troubled by the police like this.
