Agency had not begun renewal; guard reportedly lacked training, ID and background check
Anandnagar police have registered an FIR against Ramprakash Tiwari, owner of A-One Security Agency, after an inquiry into the alleged rape of a 22-year-old interior design student in Jodhpur revealed the agency was operating on an expired licence and allegedly failed to follow mandatory recruitment norms.
According to the FIR and police statements, the security agency's licence issued under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act (PSARA), 2005 was valid from 5 April 2021 to 5 April 2026, but had expired on 5 April 2026. Police said the agency had not initiated renewal procedures and yet continued to deploy personnel at client sites.
- The guard accused in the Jodhpur incident, identified in police papers as Dharm Singh, had reportedly joined the agency four days prior to the alleged offence.
- Police alleged he had not completed the mandatory security training required under PSARA and had not been issued a proper identity card by the agency.
- The FIR also alleges that the agency did not conduct the requisite background verification before posting him at the housing society where the incident occurred.
Investigators said the alleged irregularities came to light while probing the original offence. The action against the agency under PSARA followed the arrest of the accused guard and subsequent examination of recruitment and deployment records.
In statements to police, Tiwari said he had been running the agency since 2015 and possessed a PSARA licence covering the period up to 5 April 2026. Police, however, said they found no evidence that renewal steps had been taken after that expiry date.
The FIR makes reference to a 20 July 2026 communication from Gujarat police headquarters reminding private security firms to comply with PSARA norms, including training, identity issuance and background verification of guards. Police said the agency's practices were inconsistent with those statutory requirements.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| PSARA licence validity | 5 April 2021 – 5 April 2026 |
| Licence expiry | 5 April 2026 |
| Gujarat PHQ communication referenced | 20 July 2026 |
| Guard's joining time | Four days before the alleged offence (as per FIR) |
Police officials said the FIR names Tiwari under relevant provisions of PSARA for operating without a valid licence and for alleged non-compliance with statutory norms governing private security agencies. The registration of the case follows the arrest of the accused guard in relation to the Jodhpur incident.
Private security agencies are required under PSARA to ensure guards undergo prescribed training, carry agency-issued identity cards while on duty, and are subject to background checks before deployment. These measures are intended to protect members of the public and the clients who contract security services.
Local housing societies in Ahmedabad employ private security firms widely, particularly in areas such as Jodhpur, Bopal, Satellite and Prahlad Nagar, where gated communities rely on contract guards for night and entry-point duties. The case has prompted renewed attention among society management committees to verify licences, training certificates and identity documentation before awarding contracts.
Industry sources and legal practitioners note that lapses in compliance can expose both agencies and clients to criminal and civil liability. Failure to renew a PSARA licence or to follow statutory recruitment procedures undermines regulatory safeguards and could carry penalties, including prosecution, suspension of operations and reputational damage.
Police are continuing their probe to ascertain the full sequence of events leading to the alleged offence, including how the accused was recruited, posted and supervised. Further action against the agency or individuals will depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations and legal review.
Meanwhile, the development highlights operational risks in the private security sector and the need for housing societies and corporate clients in Ahmedabad to carry out due diligence on contractual firms to ensure statutory compliance and the safety of residents and employees.
