Vadodara: Residents of the Samanvay Splendid Co-operative Housing Service Society Limited in the Sevasi area (Ward Number 9) of the city held a protest against the alleged operation of an unauthorized commercial boarding and lodging or short-term rental facility within their residential complex. Citing severe security risks—especially for women—and the disruption of peace, the residents have approached the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) Commissioner, demanding immediate intervention and the sealing of the illegally used flats.

The controversy centers on a complaint that four flats within the society — Flat Numbers 1001, 1004, 903, and 904 — located on the ninth and tenth floors of A3 Tower, have been purchased by a single entity and converted into a commercial accommodation facility. The society comprises a total of 142 flats.

Residents allege that the hotel-like commercial operation is being conducted by JBT Hospitality Private Limited. The company, whose directors are named as Mayank Jagendra Trivedi, Harit Darshan Oza, and Bharat Dhirajlal Mehta, allegedly uses online booking platforms to rent out the flats.

These bookings are reportedly for short durations, ranging from as little as two hours to one day, two days, a week, or up to 14 days, often bypassing the standard 11-month lease requirement for residential complexes. The rates charged are significant, with reports indicating high tariffs, such as ₹10,000 for a single night’s stay.

A major concern raised is the identity and conduct of the guests. Residents claim that the bookings often cater to non-Gujarati individuals and foreign nationals, including guests from Nigeria. The frequent and heavy influx of unknown visitors (“strangers”) has become a safety concern for the community.

Locals further complained that unknown men and women often gather at night, consume alcohol, create disturbances, and indulge in inappropriate behaviour.

One resident described the prevailing fear in the community, stating: “Local women are living under the shadow of fear because people without any identification are coming to stay in these flats.”

This is not the first time residents have raised the issue; complaints were lodged a year ago, after which the activity temporarily ceased but has now resumed.

Following the latest protest, the VMC issued a show-cause notice to JBT Hospitality Private Limited and its three directors, seeking proof of who granted them permission to run commercial activities in a residential zone.

It has also emerged that despite multiple complaints filed at the police station, residents say no action has been taken so far.

On Monday, a large group of residents, including many women, reached the Municipal Corporation office and submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner. They demanded an immediate halt to the commercial activity and called for strict legal action. Residents have warned that if the authorities fail to resolve the issue soon, they will intensify their agitation. DeshGujarat