Hotels told to keep eye on foreigners

The David Headley case has spurred Delhi Police into stepping up its vigil on foreign tourists, even at the risk of harassing innocent travelers and costing hotels business. Stung by the revelation that Headley stayed in Delhi earlier this year, and concerned about the security implications for events like the Commonwealth Games -- which are expected to see thousands of foreign tourists pour into the capital -- the cops have issued guidelines to hotel owners even as investigators have been visiting several cyber cafes and hotels in Paharganj.

"There are certain things which will be strictly adhered to. Besides installing CCTVs at correct places and frisking each visitor with a hand-held metal detector, we have made ID-card proof mandatory. We have also instructed the police to ensure that managers record the contact numbers of all visitors. The beat constables will visit the hotel during the day and note down these numbers. We will then randomly cross-check these numbers," Karnail Singh, joint commissioner, northern range told TOI.

According to the local police, the hotel managers have also been instructed to report the arrival of any foreign tourist to the Foreigner Regional Registration Office even if he has valid papers with the FRRO stamp. "At times, managers fear that they might upset business if they cross-check the antecedents of foreigners. But the security of the country cannot be compromised now, especially as the 2010 Games are drawing near," said a senior police officer.

A Special Cell team had visited hotels De Holiday Inn and Anand in Paharganj, where Headley stayed, three days ago and spoke to staff there. A check on the antecedents of the staffers was also carried out.

"We have proposed that the integrated network connecting police stations in India also keep scope for live CCTV footages from hotels for quick action. We hope this will help us counter terrorism better," added another officer.

The hotel owners, themselves say they are not taking chances any more. "Besides the usual checking using hand-held metal detectors and CCTV camera footage, we now ask for telephone numbers and even ask visitors to call back home from our own ISD facilities just to satisfy our doubts," said a manager at a three star hotel at Chuna Mandi near Paharganj.

"The Karol Bagh blasts last year had forced us to introduce a slew of measures to enforce security in areas frequented by tourists. But, we did not introduce anything specific for foreign tourists. But, with the Headley case surfacing now, we have to be on our guard," said a senior special cell officer.