Five-Star Hotel in Delhi Alleges ₹58 Lakh Loss as Guest Stays for Two Years Without Payment
Roseate House, a prestigious five-star hotel near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, has filed a case with the IGI Airport police station, alleging a loss of ₹58 lakh due to collusion between one of its guests and certain hotel staff. According to the FIR lodged by Vinod Malhotra, an authorized representative of Bird Airports Hotel Private Limited, which operates Roseate, guest Ankush Dutta stayed for a staggering 603 days without paying a single penny.
New Delhi: Roseate House, a prestigious five-star hotel near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, has filed a case with the IGI Airport police station, alleging a loss of ₹58 lakh due to collusion between one of its guests and certain hotel staff. According to the FIR lodged by Vinod Malhotra, an authorized representative of Bird Airports Hotel Private Limited, which operates Roseate, guest Ankush Dutta stayed for a staggering 603 days without paying a single penny.
Prem Prakash, the head of the Front Office Department and responsible for room rates and monitoring guest dues, allowed Dutta’s extended stay to defy hotel norms, as per the FIR. The hotel management suspects that Prakash may have received cash from Dutta, enabling him to manipulate the hotel’s in-house software system that tracks guest stays and accounts.
The FIR stated, “A criminal conspiracy was hatched by guest Mr. Ankush Dutta along with some known and unknown hotel staff, including Mr. Prem Prakash, with the motive to gain wrongfully and deprive the hotel of its rightful dues.” It further alleged that the staff forged, deleted, added, and falsified entries in Dutta’s account within the hotel’s software system.
Dutta checked into the hotel on May 30, 2019, for a one-night stay but repeatedly extended it until January 22, 2021, surpassing the standard duration. The hotel’s norm requires outstanding dues exceeding 72 hours to be reported to the CEO and Financial Controller, but Prakash failed to do so.
The hotel accused Prakash of creating fake pending bills, manipulating account records, and attempting to camouflage Dutta’s outstanding dues. Additionally, Dutta’s bounced cheques totaling ₹37 lakh were not reported to hotel management.
The hotel has demanded strict legal action against the culprits for offenses including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and falsification of accounts.
The IGI police conducted a preliminary inquiry, which indicated the existence of prima facie evidence, prompting further investigation into the matter.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and vigilance within the hospitality industry, as hotels face challenges in ensuring compliance with payment policies and preventing fraudulent activities. The outcome of the investigation will determine the appropriate actions to be taken against those involved in this alleged fraudulent scheme.
Sources By Agencies
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