NOIDA: OYO, a hospitality technology company, announced the termination of its contract with Sheetla Hotel in Noida following allegations that the hotel was involved in flesh trade. The company also stated its intention to pursue legal actions against the hotel and the individuals involved to ensure accountability.
The decision to terminate the contract was made after Noida Police, in collaboration with the anti-human trafficking unit, conducted a raid on the hotel at Behlolpur in Noida earlier this month.
During the raid, several people were apprehended for their involvement in running a flesh trade racket from the hotel premises. The police also rescued four women and three minors from the hotel.
“The allegations prompted OYO to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. After careful review and consideration, OYO found out that the hotel was already inconsistent in its business with OYO before the allegations came to light,” the company said in a statement.
However, OYO stated, ‘OYO has decided to terminate its contract with the hotel.’ This decision is in line with ‘OYO’s ongoing programme to promote safe and secure hospitality.’
OYO also expressed appreciation for those who ‘brought the allegations to light’ and ‘encouraged anyone with information regarding similar incidents to come forward.’
Pawas Kumar, OYO’s north India head, emphasized the company’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal or immoral activities on its hotel premises. He said, “We are already working in close partnership with Noida police to ensure safe and secure hospitality in the city.”
‘We are implementing enhanced monitoring and auditing procedures to prevent such incidents in the future,’ he stated. He emphasized, ‘We remain committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies and local communities to create a safe environment for our guests.’
In November 2023, OYO launched a national programme to promote safe and secure hospitality in partnership with law enforcement agencies. As part of the initiative, the company has conducted joint seminars with police in several cities, including Noida, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Meerut, and Bangalore, bringing together key stakeholders from the hospitality industry, law enforcement agencies, and OYO’s hotel partners.
(With inputs from PTI)