27-6-2023 (NEW DELHI) A guest identified as Ankush Dutta has become the center of controversy after allegedly staying at Delhi’s Roseate House for over 600 days without paying his bills, amounting to a staggering 5.8 million Indian rupees (approximately US$70,700). The incident, initially reported by The Indian Express, has led to a police complaint filed by the hotel’s board.
According to reports, Ankush Dutta checked into Roseate House on May 30, 2019, booking a room for a single night. However, he repeatedly extended his stay and eventually departed on January 22, 2021, without settling his outstanding dues. The hotel accuses its staff of aiding Dutta in evading payment by falsifying accounts.
In the police complaint, the hotel alleges that its staff engaged in various fraudulent activities, including “forging, deleting, adding, and falsifying a large number of entries” in Ankush Dutta’s account. This manipulation of accounts was done to conceal the true amount owed and avoid detection of the staff’s illegal actions.
A senior police officer revealed that both the hotel staff and Dutta collaborated in deleting entries, fabricating reports, submitting forged cheques and documents, and misusing the hotel’s electronic system to avoid paying the bill. The hotel further claims that the forgery and falsification were carried out to divert cash payments.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, and the police are currently examining the evidence and statements related to the case.
Roseate House, owned by Bird Hospitality, is an upscale contemporary hotel located near Delhi’s main international airport. Boasting 216 rooms, the hotel offers various amenities, including multiple restaurants, a luxury spa, and a coworking space. Room rates at Roseate House start at approximately 8,500 rupees per night.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the case, and the investigation is ongoing, involving Ankush Dutta and several hotel staff members. Insider’s request for comment from Roseate House remains unanswered, and Ankush Dutta could not be reached for his response.
