Man Overstayed in Hotel for 600+ Days and Didn’t Pay $71,000 Bill

In a remarkable incident that has shocked the hospitality industry, a guest checked into a five-star hotel in Delhi, India, for a single night and ended up staying for an astonishing 603.¹ Ankush Dutta, the guest in question, walked out without settling his bill, which totaled to over INR 5.8 million ($71,000). The hotel, Roseate House, only discovered the unpaid bill when conducting a routine check of its records. This article will delve into the details of this extraordinary story and the alleged involvement of the hotel staff in helping the guest stay without payment.

The Lengthy Stay and Escalating Bill

Ankush Dutta’s stay at Roseate House began innocently enough when he checked in on May 30, 2019, booking a room for a single night.² However, he kept extending his stay without making any payments, ultimately leaving the hotel on January 22, 2021, after a hefty 603 nights. During this time, Dutta managed to earn a staggering bill of over INR 5.8 million ($71,000).

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The Allegations Against Hotel Staff

Upon discovering the unpaid bill, management took swift action by bringing in the police and filing complaints against Ankush Dutta, the front desk manager, and several other staff members. According to the hotel’s complaint, staff members were accused of forging, removing, adding, and faking a substantial number of entries in Dutta’s account. These alleged actions were an attempt to conceal the actual unpaid dues and avoid detection by senior management. Authorities believe that the staff, working with Dutta, manipulated the hotel’s electronic system, deleted entries, and forged reports to avoid payment. It is suspected that the motive behind these acts was to siphon off cash payments.

Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The hotel’s allegations against Ankush Dutta and the involved staff members have started an ongoing police investigation. The police are studying the evidence, including electronic records, to see the extent of the involvement and determine the legal repercussions. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues. Roseate House, owned by India’s Bird Hospitality, fully cooperates with the authorities during this process.

The unprecedented incident at Roseate House has raised concerns within the hospitality industry about the need for robust financial monitoring systems and better security protocols. Hotels usually rely on trust and guest honesty when getting credit for extended stays, making this incident particularly shocking. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of maintaining strict financial controls and regularly auditing guest accounts to identify any irregularities or potential false activities.

Roseate House and its Reputation

Roseate House, an upscale modern hotel with 216 rooms, multiple restaurants, a luxury spa, and a coworking space, opened its doors in 2016. The building caters to discerning guests looking for a luxury experience. Despite this unfortunate incident, its reputation remains intact. Roseate House has been prompt in cooperating with the authorities and has not shied away from the issue.

Conclusion

The extraordinary tale of Ankush Dutta’s 603-night stay at Roseate House without paying his bill serves as a wake-up call for the hospitality industry. It underscores the importance of more refined financial controls and vigilant monitoring systems to prevent and detect fraudulent activities. As the investigation into this case continues, hotels worldwide must assess their internal processes and ensure the integrity of their financial transactions. This incident should serve as a reminder that even the most reputable establishments can fall victim to such unscrupulous behavior, emphasizing the need for constant diligence and oversight to maintain the trust and integrity upon which the industry thrives.

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