Greater Noida West: The safety of high-rise societies in Greater Noida West is once again under scrutiny after police recently busted an online betting racket operating from two residential societies—Radha Sky Garden and White Orchid Apartment. Gautam Buddh Nagar Police arrested eight individuals involved in illegal online gambling, with four arrests from each society.
Despite the perception of gated high-rises being secure, the incident has exposed glaring lapses in security protocols and management, particularly by builders and Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs).
Unverified Tenants: A Breeding Ground for Crime
Residents allege that many flat owners are renting out their apartments without mandatory police verification, often driven by financial incentives. As a result, anti-social elements are finding easy shelter in these gated communities. The AOA and builder indifference have only worsened the problem, with no effective system in place to screen tenants.
Security Lapses at Entry Points
Another major concern is the lack of trained security personnel. Residents report that underpaid and untrained guards are being deployed at society gates, who often fail to conduct even basic identity checks on visitors or tenants. The result: gated societies have become soft targets for criminal elements.
Past Incidents That Exposed the Security Myth
Several serious criminal cases have already highlighted how Greater Noida West societies are being misused as safe havens:
1. Naxalite Couple Nabbed
On July 11, 2022, Bisrakh police, along with Bihar STF, arrested Koḍa alias Karelal Koḍa, a wanted Naxalite commander from Munger, and his partner Payal, who had been living as a married couple in a high-rise society.
2. Marijuana Cultivation in a Flat
On November 12, 2024, a man named Rahul was arrested by the Parsvnath Society for cultivating premium marijuana (OG) using modern hydroponic techniques. He allegedly sold it via the dark web.
3. Fake Passport Racket
On November 22, 2024, a gang producing fake passports was busted. The mastermind, Sachin Johri, operated from Exotica Dream Ville and was using a Jan Seva Kendra front in Mahagun Mart to make over 500 fake passports in two years.
4. Gangster Hiding in Society
On June 1, 2024, a 50,000-rupee reward criminal named Umar was arrested by the Ecotech-3 police and the STF. He had been hiding for four years in a society in Greater Noida West and was wanted under the Gangster Act.
Residents Demand Accountability
Local voices are now calling for urgent reforms:
Most residents are migrants. Tenant verification is non negotiable. Police and AOA must act jointly
Chaya Varshaney, Samridhhi Grand Avenue
We are working professionals and often unaware of our neighbours. Verification is the only way to ensure safety.
Anita Prajapati, Gaur 6th Avenue