Chandigarh police have arrested an assistant manager of The Lalit Hotel, located in IT Park, following allegations of sexual harassment and molestation against a female security guard employed at the same hotel. The incident has raised serious concerns about staff safety and the work environment in luxury hotels.
The accused, Sitare Lal, 38, a resident of Kishangarh, was taken into custody shortly after the incident, which occurred late at night on September 5. Police said the complainant, a female security guard at the hotel, alleged that Lal attempted to touch her inappropriately and tried to kiss her while they were alone inside the elevator. Shocked by the incident, the guard immediately reported the matter to her seniors and to the police.
A team from IT Park police station promptly reached the hotel to investigate and arrested Lal. He was initially placed in police custody but was later released on bail. The police have registered a case under Sections 74 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 75(2) (sexual harassment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 11:15 pm on the hotel premises. The complainant stated that Lal, who is responsible for overseeing security at the hotel, has been serving in this role for some time. This allowed him access to restricted areas, including the elevator where the alleged harassment took place. The guard’s prompt action in reporting the incident helped the police take swift steps to address the matter.
The hotel’s resident manager, Rohit Kapoor, told reporters that he was unaware of the incident and had no immediate information about the case. The incident has triggered renewed attention on safety protocols and staff conduct in five-star hotels, especially regarding harassment claims.
This is not the first case of sexual violence at The Lalit Hotel in Chandigarh. On December 20, 2018, a former employee of the hotel, Farhanuzz Zama, was arrested for raping a 56-year-old British female guest. Zama, who was 28 at the time, worked as a masseur at the hotel. He sexually assaulted the guest during a massage session. In July 2022, a fast-track Chandigarh court sentenced him to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court highlighted that by committing such a crime against a foreign national on Indian soil, Zama tainted the country’s motto of “Atithi Devo Bhava.”
The recurrence of sexual violence incidents at the same hotel has prompted authorities and experts to call for stronger safety measures and stricter staff screening procedures.
The latest incident has sparked concern among hotel employees, particularly women working in security and service roles. Experts suggest that hotels must establish strict guidelines to prevent harassment and ensure that staff members feel safe while performing their duties. Regular training sessions on professional conduct, a transparent complaint mechanism, and constant monitoring of staff interactions are considered essential steps to reduce the risk of such incidents.
Police officers have emphasized the importance of timely reporting by victims. In this case, the guard’s courage and quick action allowed authorities to respond immediately, arresting the accused and preventing potential further harm. Authorities are investigating the matter to determine if there were lapses in supervision that allowed the alleged incident to occur.
The hotel industry is under pressure to restore trust among both employees and guests, especially given the repeated incidents at The Lalit Hotel. Measures such as installing CCTV cameras in vulnerable areas, ensuring adequate staffing, and conducting background checks for employees are being recommended to avoid future cases.
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Officials also highlighted that sexual harassment at workplaces is a serious crime, and repeated offenses can lead to stricter legal consequences. Experts insist that management should work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
Meanwhile, the state police have assured the public that the investigation will continue, and any negligence on the part of the hotel management or security staff will be addressed appropriately.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of employee safety and accountability in luxury hotels and other workplaces. Authorities hope that swift legal action and stricter protocols will deter similar incidents in the future, protecting both staff and guests while upholding the country’s reputation for hospitality.
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