Security forces are engaged in an anti-terror operation in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir as they pursue two to three terrorists reportedly holed up in the Hadigam area of the district. The encounter started on Wednesday evening during a search operation conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, and CRPF.
“Encounter has started at Hadigam area of Kulgam district. Kulgam Police, Indian Army and CRPF are on the job. Further details shall follow,” said Jammu and Kashmir Police in a statement on Wednesday.
.The operation saw terrorists firing upon the security forces during the initial search, leading to an ongoing encounter. Despite no fresh firing reported, the forces are actively continuing their search efforts at the site. A top security official disclosed that the terrorists took advantage of the cover of darkness to escape the initial operation site after firing on the forces.
Following the initial skirmish, additional troops were deployed, and the entire village was cordoned off. The search operation resumed with the first light after being halted overnight. This marks the first anti-terrorist operation in 2024 in the region, with the security forces determined to either apprehend or neutralize the terrorists.
New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s sister and YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) chief Y S Sharmila joined the Congress on Thursday. The significant move by the YSRTP chief came days after the Congress party won the Telangana assembly elections.
At the event, she also announced the merger of her YSR Telangana Congress with the Congress and said she would fulfill any responsibility given to her by the party Chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Former party president Rahul Gandhi and other party dignitaries were also present at the event.
After the merger of YSR Telangana Party into the Congress, YS Sharmila said, “Today, I am very happy to be merging YSR Telangana Party into the Congress party. It gives me immense joy that the YSR Telangana Party is going to be a part of the Indian National Congress from today onwards.”
Sources added that Sharmila would soon hold two meetings, one each in Visakhapatnam and Vijaywada which AICC leader would attend. Priyanka Gandhi will be attending the Visakhapatnam meeting, while Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to join the Vijaywada meeting.
New Delhi : As the cold wave has tightened its grip on Delhi, residents of the national capital woke up to a freezing morning on Wednesday with the minimum temperature recorded at 7.3 degrees Celsius — the seasonal average, according to India Meteorological Department.
The IMD has also predicted shallow fog and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 18 degree Celsius.
On Wednesday, Palam recorded the lowest visibility at 500 m at 7.30 a.m.
However, at around 9 a.m. the visibility at Palam improved to 700 m, while Safdarjung recorded 500 m.
The IMD classifies fog intensity into four types: shallow, moderate, dense and very dense fog. T
he visibility ranges from 999 m to 500 m; 499 m to 200 m; 199 m to 50 m; and less than 50 m, respectively.
According to the Indian Railways, at least 26 trains were running late by hours due to fog.
The Chennai-New Delhi Duronto Express, Amritsar-Nanded Express and Ajmer-Katra Express were running behind schedule by more than six hours.
Meanwhile, theair quality continued to remain under the ‘very poor’ category at several stations across the city.
At the Anand Vihar area, PM2.5 levels remained into the ‘very poor’ category standing at 301 and PM10 reached 166 or ‘moderate’, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’; 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’; 101 and 200 ‘moderate’; 201 and 300 ‘poor’; 301 and 400 ‘very poor’; and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.
The Indira Gandhi InternationalAirport T3 also witnessed PM2.5 levels at 321, the ‘very poor’ category while the PM10 was at 221, falling under the ‘poor’ category, respectively.
New Delhi : The Supreme Court of India rejected pleas of petitioners seeking to hamper the ongoing SEBI investigation into allegations raised by Hindenburg Research. Delivering the judgment, a bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said there were no grounds to transfer the probe to a special investigation team (SIT). The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has investigated 22 out of the 24 cases linked to the US-based short seller Hindenburg Research’s allegations. The Supreme Court gave the SEBI three months to complete the investigation in the remaining two cases. The pleas claimed the allegations that the Adani Group, considered close to the Modi government, inflated its share prices and, after the report of the short seller Hindenburg Research, the share value of various group entities fell sharply.
“The Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgment shows that: Truth has prevailed. Satyameva Jayate. I am grateful to those who stood by us. Our humble contribution to India’s growth story will continue. Jai Hind,” Mr Adani said in the post on X.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar is visiting Jammu and Kashmir on January 4, where he will be the chief guest at the 8th convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu.
An official handout released said “During his one-day tour, Shri Dhankhar will be the Chief Guest at the 8th Convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu.”
Vice-President will also grace the inauguration of the Biotech Startup Expo in Kathua in addition to presiding over the convocation ceremony.
As anticipated, the Israeli government carried out the assassination of Saleh Al-Aarori, Hamas’ Second in Command and vice President of its political wing.
The operation was conducted by Israeli drones and the Hamas political office in southern suburb of Beirut. Al-Arouri served as the deputy of Hamas and was instrumental as one of the founders of the Qassam Brigades. Having served 18 years in Israeli Jails, he faced exile from Palestine upon his release.
Observers believe that this attack may mark a crucial turning point in the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the toll stands at over 23000 Palestinians, including children and women, who have lost their lives so far since October 7, 2023.
While Israel has not explicitly claimed responsibility for this attack, both the Prime Minister and Defense Minister have wowed to target and eliminate all Hamas leaders residing abroad. Hezbollah, in response to this attack has asserted that this crime will not go unanswered and unpunished.
Observers believe that with the assassination of Al-Arouri, the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has taken a dangerous turn. The confrontation has escalated to a more perilous level: a development attributed to Israel’s crossing of redlines in its face off with Hezbollah. Hezbollah Chief Hasan Nasrallah has repeatedly threatened that any assassination attempt on one of its leaders or Palestinian resistance leaders inside Lebanon would be met with severe retaliation deep within Israel. This situation is raising concerns about the full scale war between Hezbollah and Israel. But observers point out “that Lebanon’s deteriorating economic condition makes it ill-equipped to handle a full-scale war with Israel. Additionally they said that Iran is not inclined towards initiating a conflict, Israel on its part, is reluctant to open another front, especially given its engagement in Gaza “. The United States, virtual partner with Israel in war on Gaza, also is not in favor of the war extension.
The aftermath of this attack indicates two clear conclusions. First, faced with the failure to achieve its objectives in the Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is likely to focus on convincing the Israeli people that he is the only capable leader to protect Israeli and eliminate Hamas. Second, Israel has demonstrated its capability to successfully carry out attacks deep into Lebanon, Syria and neighboring countries. This showcases Israel’s powerful air capabilities, leaving Hezbollah and Iran with no immediate counter to Israel’s strength in this regard.
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( Writer is a prominent Islamic scholar, he has PhD on Palestinian issues )
A chilling cold wave has tightened its grip on Kashmir, plunging temperatures well below freezing across the region. Srinagar witnessed a bone-chilling low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, causing a thin layer of ice to encase the surface of the iconic Dal Lake, officials said.
Residents residing in houseboats navigated the challenge of breaking through the ice to reach the banks.
The extreme cold has taken its toll on the region, freezing water supply pipes in multiple areas, disrupting daily life. Pahalgam, a crucial base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg’s famed skiing resort registered a freezing minus 4 degrees Celsius.
Other areas such as Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara also experienced plunging temperatures, with the mercury dropping well below zero.
Adding to the woes, Kashmir has faced a prolonged dry spell with a staggering 79% rainfall deficit in December. The absence of snowfall in most parts, both in the plains and upper reaches, exacerbates the situation. Clear skies have contributed to further dips in temperatures, intensifying the ongoing ‘Chilla-i-Kalan,’ the 40-day harshest winter period, causing water bodies, including the Dal Lake, and supply lines to freeze.
Forecasters predict no respite for the next six days, painting a harsh picture for residents as they brace for an even more frigid start to 2024.
Today is the second day of the strike by drivers in protest against the toughening of punishment in the hit and run law. The effect of the strike is visible in many states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. Long queues were observed at petrol pumps in various cities across the country, and commuters also faced problems as bus operators and drivers were also on the strike. Along with petrol, vegetables, fruits, and essential goods, supply was also affected due to the truck strike. The traders warned that the situation may turn worse and that there could be a price rise in commodities if protests don’t end.
Truckers are protesting against this change, claiming that this provision will prove draconian for truck drivers and discourage more people from choosing truck driving as a way to earn their livelihoods. Under the previous legislation, drivers could be imprisoned for up to two years under IPC Section 304A (death by negligence). The protesting drivers are demanding the repeal of these new provisions, asserting that the stringent penalties are a threat to their jobs. The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which is set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, has a provision to punish drivers for up to 10 years and impose a fine of Rs 7 lakh in cases of serious road accidents due to negligent driving and fleeing without informing officials.
New Delhi : As the clock struck midnight, ushering in the much-anticipated year 2024, residents of Delhi were greeted with a surprisingly mild start to the first day of the year. The minimum temperature in the city stood at 10.1 degrees Celsius, a departure of three notches above the seasonal average, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The national capital was blanketed by shallow fog affecting visibility.
Commuters and early risers experienced varying degrees of reduced visibility, with the lowest recorded at Safdarjung at 700 metres around 7 a.m. Meanwhile, Palam reported a slightly better visibility of 1, 100 metres during the same period.
According to Indian Railways, 21 trains, including Mumbai- Ferozpur, Bangalore- Nizamuddin Rajdhani, Hyderabad- New Delhi were late by hours, due to poor visibility.
However, the air quality of the national capital continued to remain in a ‘very poor’ category.
The air quality at Anand Vihar entered the ‘very poor’ category with PM 2.5 at 331 and PM 10 at 236, in the ‘poor’ category, while the NO2 reached 54 and CO was at 74 or ‘satisfactory’, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Bawana station recorded PM 2.5 at 325, in the ‘very poor’ category while the PM 10 reached 195, in the ‘moderate’ category, while the CO reached 50, or ‘good’ levels.
The AQI monitoring station at Dwarka Sector 8 recorded PM 2.5 at 373, in the ‘very poor category’ while PM 10 was at 262 or ‘poor’ while the CO was at 46, in ‘good’ levels.
The AQI at the ITO station was in the ‘very poor’ category with PM 2.5 at 316 and PM 10 at 172, in the ‘moderate’ category, while the CO was at 41, in the ‘good’ level.
The PM 2.5 at Okhla Phase-II was recorded at 332, in the ‘very poor’ category and PM 10 at 202, the ‘poor’ category.
Tehelka SIT report unearths a disconcerting reality, unveiling farmhouses willing to host parties without adhering to the necessary alcohol consumption licenses, and flouting numerous excise regulations despite earlier raids and warnings by the excise department
“No policeman can enter my farmhouse. I can assure you that at my farmhouse, nobody will bother you. Your party will go on uninterrupted, and nobody can stop it, so you need not to worry. Because of our understanding with the police, they don’t come to the farmhouse when the party is on. However, I won’t mislead you; they do conduct routine checks. In fact, they recently sealed 2-3 farmhouses for hosting illegal parties. Rest assured, though, you will not face any problem during the party.”
Meet Arjun Singh, the manager of a farmhouse located in the Yamuna floodplains near Sector 135 of Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Arjun Singh shared this information when Tehelka’s investigative reporter met with him to discuss a fictitious plan of hosting his son’s upcoming wedding anniversary celebration at the farmhouse on December 20, 2023.
According to Excise department rules, to serve alcohol at a party held anywhere in Gautam Budh Nagar, an “occasional bar license” is issued for Rs 11,000, allowing the service of only liquor made for sale in Uttar Pradesh. Without this license, the party could be deemed illegal, and may face scrutiny from both the excise department and the police.
In our case, Manager Arjun Singh assured our reporter — who approached him with a fictitious deal to host his son’s wedding anniversary party at the farmhouse — that we can hold a party without obtaining an “occasional bar license” and can also serve liquor from other states besides UP, which is otherwise against excise department rules.
“We pay 20k per month as bribe money to the local police to keep them away from our farmhouse. After that, we are free to do whatever we want inside our farmhouse,” said Amar Singh Chauhan and Satyam, the two middlemen of the area whom we encountered during our investigation.
It may be mentioned that ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities, the Noida excise department has informed all the farmhouse owners of Yamuna floodplains that the “occasional bar license” is mandatory for all large gatherings, including parties on New Year’s Eve, Christmas or any other occasion. Violations of this requirement will result in charges being levied against both the event organizers and the owners of the premises where the party is hosted, the notice said.
Last month, the Noida excise department had conducted a search during a party in a farmhouse in Noida’s sector 135 and arrested four persons for illegally serving liquor, which was made for sale only in Haryana. The organisers had not procured the “Occasional bar license” either. For obtaining license, one can visit the excise department’s web portal and fill the form, and submit a fee of Rs 11,000 and get the “Occasional bar license”. Violations of norms will lead to action under the Uttar Pradesh Excise Act.
These farmhouses are not only hosting illegal parties but are also illegally built on Yamuna floodplain, mostly in sectors 128, 129, 130, 131, 134, 135, 151 and 152 of Noida, in violation of environmental rules. According to an old survey conducted by the Noida authority in 2019, there are at least 2000 upscale farmhouses equipped with swimming pools, banquet halls, and other luxury amenities in the floodplains. The Noida authority and Gautam Budh Nagar district administration have demolished several farmhouses under its anti-encroachment drive from time to time. The National Green Tribunal [NGT] in its multiple notices has ordered the demolition of all illegal constructions on Yamuna floodplains as they damage the ecological integrity of the area. These farmhouses were recently submerged by floodwater. But despite all demolition drives, these farmhouses are thriving and attracting thousands of visitors, especially youngsters, to hold all types of parties on their premises.
These Noida farmhouses have consistently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. In an effort to uncover the truth, Tehelka decided to launch an investigation. Our first point of inquiry led us to the Farm area near Sector 135, which houses a majority of the farmhouses frequently used for hosting parties. Upon entering the area, we observed numerous wall inscriptions bearing warnings from the excise department, explicitly advising against the consumption of liquor from other states. The breach of this rule is stated as a punishable offence.
We first met Arjun Singh, manager of a farmhouse spread across one acre. Hailing from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Arjun Singh explained that he’d been managing the farmhouse for several years, as the owner resided in Gurgaon. We informed Arjun Singh about our plans for a fictitious party with 100 guests at his farmhouse on December 20, a party for which we wouldn’t be applying for a temporary liquor license. We also set another condition: that liquor from other states, including imported brands, be allowed for consumption at the party.
To this, Arjun agreed, confidently assuring us that no policeman would enter his farmhouse during the party. According to Arjun Singh, 2-3 farmhouses in the same area had recently been sealed for holding similar parties. However, he assured us that he would inform the police about our party in advance, ensuring they wouldn’t disrupt it.
Reporter- Acha aap keh rahe hain mein sab check kar lunga to kya jab party function hota hai to police waale aatey hain yahan check karne.?.
Arjun- Agar pehle se baat ho rakhi hogi to nahi aayenge..baki mein aapko kyun jhooth bolun, aatey hain, har farmhouse par aatey hain..abhi 2-3 farm house seal hue hain, sab mein aisey hi party kara rahe hain…guest ko bol detey hain ki sari zimmedari hamari hai, magar us time par kuch hota nahi hai..us time jab function chal raha hota hai, tab to kuch ho nahi sakta phir..
Reporter- Aisa na ho phir hamarey liye koi dikkat ho..sabke saamney?
Arjun- Agar aapke saath aisa hota to mein aapko batata nahi?…Is farm house ki guarantee mein poori leta hoon, yahan aapko koi touch nahi karega, koi police wala nahi aayega, ander gate k ander nahi aa sakta, aapki party chalegi aap befikar rahiye, party mein aapko koi bhi problem nahi hogi…
Reporter- Ye aapki guarantee hai..?
Arjun- Ye meri guarantee hai..aap is baat se bilkul befikar rahiye..
Reporter- Theek hai..
[Arjun Singh, manager of a farmhouse, readily agreed to our proposal, expressing confidence that the police would not interfere with the party at his farmhouse. Arjun guaranteed that he would preemptively notify the police about our party to prevent any disruption.]
Before formalizing the agreement with Arjun Singh, we reiterated that we wouldn’t take “occasional bar license” and would bring our own liquor, including out-of-state brands and imported brands. Upon hearing this, Arjun requested Rs 80,000 for the space and his assurance of police protection. After some negotiation, we settled on a final price of Rs 75,000.
Reporter- Hum licence nahi banwana chah rahe hain aur hum chahtey hain aapki zimmedari ho..
Arjun- Zimmedari meri rahegi magar phir 80K dene padege aapko..?
Arjun- Main zimmedari lunga to mein phir aage bhi apni bana k rakhunga na, ki main kis cheez ki zimmedari le raha hoon…
Reporter- Matlab aap ye keh rahe ho ki bina license k hum party kar saktey hain, lekin dene 80 hazar hi honge..
Arjun- Aap 75 hazar kar dena , last price aapke liye yahi rahenge…poori zimmedari meri hai..
Reporter-Poori zimmedari mein kya kya hai..?
Arjun- Aap daru bhi la saktey ho, pee saktey ho, zyada nahi honi chahiye, limit se zyada nahi honi chahiye..
Reporter- Theek hai..
[Prior to finalizing the arrangement, we explicitly communicated our decision to not to obtain “an occasional bar license’’ and to bring our own liquor, including out-of-state brands. After negotiations, we reached a final agreement at Rs 75k.]
In order to arrange things in advance, Arjun asked us to let him know about the quantity of liquor to be brought to the party. We assured him that the overall liquor consumption would be minimal, but only imported liquor would be used by our international guests. He concurred with our request
Reporter- Aur liquor itni zyada nahi hogi..
Arjun –Aap mujhe pehle bata dena hamari liquor itni hogi…usi hisab se mein intezaam kar dunga…
Reporter- Videshi bhi hogi usmein..?
Arjun- Aap bata dena, kyunki batana bahut zaroori hota hai…
Reporter- Mein aapko bata dunga.
Arjun- Kyunki hame aagey bhi batana hota hai…
Reporter- Mein aapko pehle clear kar doon, videshi mehmaan bhi honge hamare to videshi liquor bhi hogi..
Arjun- Theek hai..
Reporter- Mein aapko abhi se bata kar chal raha hoon
Arjun- Theek hai, mein aapko kal tak aur confirm kar dunga..
[Arjun requested for details about the party’s liquor quantity in advance, and we assured him it would be of modest quantity, except for imported liquor intended for our international guests.]
Since Arjun is only a manager, we asked him whether his farmhouse owner will be taken into confidence about our planned private event without a formal license? Arjun assured us that as he was managing the farmhouse for the past four years and being from Bareilly, we need not worry. He claimed that the owner’s consent is secured, and he handles all the bookings.
Reporter- Accha maalik ki consent hai na ismein..?
Arjun- Bilkul hai…is farm house ko mein hi chala raha hoon..
Reporter- Aisa na ho maalik kahe tumne kaise de diya consent ?
Arjun- Chaar saal se is farm house ko mein hi chala raha hoon… mein hi booking leta hoon aur mein hi dekhta hoon…
Reporter- Maalik ki taraf se razamandi hai na.. aisa na ho aap book kar do aur wo mana kar de..?
Arjun- Na- Na..us cheez ki aap befikar rahiye, mein aapko yahin par milunga…mein bareilley se hoon..
[Given that Arjun’s role was only confined to managing the farmhouse, we inquired about the owner’s consent for a private event without a formal license. Arjun assured us that every event is held at the farmhouse with the owner’s consent.]
When we began discussing our party with Arjun, he initially recommended obtaining an “occasional bar license” at a cost of Rs 11k, stating that the use of liquor from states other than Uttar Pradesh was restricted at the farmhouse. He cited two instances of farmhouses in the area being sealed for violating excise department rules. However, he later agreed to proceed with our party without the license and also permitted the use of liquor from other states.
Reporter- Aur mein bhai se baat kar raha tha.. koi dikkat to nahi hogi ?
Arjun- Koi dikkat nahi.. liqour to nahi hogi?
Reporter- Liquor to hogi.
Arjun- Phir license banwana padega..UP ki hi daru chalegi warna nahi chalegi..
Reporter- Hamare pass to dekhiye, maine bola bhi tha inko..baith jao aap bhi..
Arjun – Actually aisa hai na abhi kuch din pehle 5-6 din pehle se Haryana aur Delhi ki daru band hai…sirf UP ki hi daru chal sakti hai..ab 2 to seal ho gayi sirf daru k chakker mein..
[In the initial stages of our party discussions with Arjun, he suggested acquiring an “occasional bar license” for Rs 11k, citing restrictions on the use of liquor from states other than UP at the farmhouse. However, he later relented on the pre-conditions and agreed to host our party]
Now, Arjun apprised us about the procedure of obtaining “occasional bar license” even as he mentioned that, once acquired, we would be able to serve liquor from any state at our party.
Reporter- License kaisa matlab samjha nahi mein ?
Arjun- Liquor ka license banta hai Rs 1100 ka, phir aapko koi problem nahi hogi..
Reporter- Phir aap koi si bhi daru piyo ?
Arjun- Koi bhi piyo
Reporter- Ye kaun banwaiyega ?
Arjun- Mujhe de dena mein banwa dunga. 11 hazar rupees lagtey hain..
[Arjun briefed us on the steps to secure an “occasional bar license” and explained that, once obtained, we could freely serve liquor from any state at our party.]
Arjun also assured us that we could have a Disc Jockey (DJ) playing throughout the night at his farmhouse. It’s worth noting that the government has set 10 pm as the permissible limit for the DJ, after which it is not allowed. However, Arjun assured us that we need not worry about the 10 p.m. limit.
Reporter- Iske elawa bachta hi kya hai ?
Arjun- Ab music system bhi hai poori raat bajta hai…poori raat chalega uski bhi koi dikkat nahi aayegi..
Reporter- 10 baje k baad allowed nahi hai DJ bhi ?
Arjun- 10 kay 11 baj jaye koi dikkat nahi hai..baki yahan par DJ ki koi problem nahi hai…full night chala saktey hain…is farm house k ander.. iski guarantee hai..
[Arjun guaranteed us the freedom to have a Disc Jockey (DJ) playing all night at his farmhouse despite the mandatory DJ limit until 10 p.m. Arjun assured us that we didn’t have to concern ourselves with this restriction.]
Earlier, during our search for a farmhouse for a party in the Farm area near Sector 135, Noida, we encountered a middleman named Amar Singh Chauhan. He assured us of providing a farmhouse for our party and introduced us to Satyam, who is associated with the farmhouse. Subsequently, Satyam led us to the farmhouse, where we met Arjun Singh, the manager. In line with Arjun Singh’s assurance, both Satyam and Amar Singh also guaranteed that we could host a liquor party in their farmhouse, allowing us to consume liquor from other states. They emphasized that no one would interfere as they are regularly paying a bribe of Rs 20k per month to the local police.
Reporter- Mein wahi pooch raha tha koi dikkat pareshani to nahi hogi.?
Satyam – Kisi baat ki aapko pareshani nahi hogi..
Amar singh- Ye phir inki zimmedari hai na…kyunki yahan to partyaan hoti hain…koi dikkat nahi hai.
Reporter- Matlab aadmi koi liquor wiqour piye ?
Satyam- Dekho Haryana ki daru aap mat peena..UP ki chahe kitni bhi aap pee lo
Reporter- Bhai koi bahar ka le aaye ?
Satyam – Bahar ka le aaye koi baat nahi hai..kyunki hum police ko 20 hazar rupiya mahina detey hain.
[During our encounter with middlemen Amar Singh Chauhan and Satyam, they stressed that our party would go unimpeded, citing their regular payment of a Rs 20k monthly bribe to the local police.]
“Paying 20k per month as a bribe to the local police?” As our surprised reporter posed this question to middlemen Amar Singh and Satyam, they confessed that all the farmhouses in the area are indeed making monthly payment of Rs 20,000 as bribe to the local police station. According to them, this payment is a prerequisite for conducting any activity without adhering to rules within the farmhouses. The duo revealed that the farmhouses were sometimes constrained to pay bribes because if they did not do so they ran the risk of inviting police action, including demolition under the pretext of illegal construction.
Reporter- Hain ji ?
Satyam- Hum police ko 20k mahina detey hain, sabhi farm house wale detey hain..
Amar singh- Sabhi farm house wale detey hain…jabhi to chal rahe hain ye dhande yahan, nahi to wo chalney nahi dengey….abhi kai k to farm house todey bhi hain na inhoney jo inhein paisa nahi detey they…todh k chale gaye, okhadh diya gate wait…
Reporter- Police walon ne ?
Amar singh- Haan
Reporter- Paisa nahi de rahe they wo.?
Amar singh- Kar jaatey hain wo ye kaam ..isilye unse bandhney padte hain phir paise…
Satyam- Magar udhar koi aapke pass nahi aayega.
[The duo’s revelation that refusal by farmhouses to pay the bribe was a recipe for a potential police action, including demolition under the pretext of illegal construction, highlights not only the widespread nature of such practices but also underscores the challenges faced by those who resist participating in them.]
Amar Singh informed us that in Uttar Pradesh, the consumption of liquor from other states is prohibited. Only the state liquor is permitted within the region. He drew our attention to the warnings posted on the walls in the area, cautioning against the use of liquor brought from other states in farmhouses.
Amar singh- Kyunki dekho us taraf zyada hai, kyunki udhar Haryana hai aur Haryana se zyada latey hain sharab..
Reporter- Doosre rajya ki sharab UP mein nahi hai.. pee nahi saktey aap ?
Amar singh- Haan.. kyunki bahut jagah aapne banner bhi likhe hue dekhe honge.. unhoney diwaron par bhi likha hai ki doosre rajya ki sharab lana yahan avaidh hai…
[Amar Singh conveyed to us that it is not permissible to consume liquor from other states in Uttar Pradesh; and only locally produced state liquor is allowed for consumption.]
However. Satyam and Amar Singh both assured us that we wouldn’t have to go through the trouble of obtaining the “occasional bar license’ for the party. Satyam disclosed that college-going couples coming to farmhouse for parties often create hungama, raising the risk of potential issues. However, he reassured us that as our event is a simple gathering, it will proceed smoothly without any hassle.
Satyam- Ab party jaise aapki shadi party hai, koi dikkat nahi hai, kuch aisey hotey hain jaise ladka ladki aaye, unhoney daru piya gadar kiya, to iske liye… aur koi baat nahi hai..
Amar singh- Dikkat wahan hai.
Satyam- Aisi party hum letey bhi nahi hai.
Reporter- Accha hamey koi license to nahi lena padega ?
Satyam- Nahi- nahi, kuch nahi..
Reporter- Free hai sab, poori guarantee hai ?
Satyam- Haan poori guarantee hai.
[Satyam and Amar Singh both guaranteed that acquiring an ‘occasional bar license’ for the party wouldn’t be necessary. They assured us that our event would progress smoothly without encountering any issue.]
For clarity, we inquired whether we were responsible for paying the 20k bribe to the police or if they would manage the matter themselves. In response, they assured us that we need not concern ourselves with these matters, revealing that the farmhouse owner would personally handle the issue of payment of the bribe to the police.
Reporter- Jo aap bata rahe hain ki 20k letey hain farmhouse se.. to sab se latey hain ya jo party k liye uthatey hain..?
Satyam- Party nahi, unse letey hain jinka farmhouse hai..
Reporter- Matlab hame to nahi dena padega?
Amar singh- Nahi- nahi aap se koi matlab nahi.
[The duo disclosed that the farmhouse owner would personally take care of the issue of bribe payment to the police.]
Both Satyam and Amar assured us that guests from overseas could be served imported liquor during the party. However, they emphasized that if the guests ventured towards the Haryana border or consumed alcohol outside the farmhouse, they wouldn’t be responsible if the police apprehended them. They made it clear that they could only ensure the safety of our guests when they remained within the confines of the farmhouse.
Reporter- Dekho bhai hamarey kuch videshi guests bhi hain, wo aa rahe hain 15 ko…to bhai wo to videshi sharab bhi layengey..?
Satyam- Layen.. koi dikkat nahi hai..bhai agar aap nikal gaye Haryana, pakde gaye..to meri zimmedari nahi hai…ya bahar pee rahe hain bethkar.. meri zimmedari nahi hai, haan farm k ander police nahi jayegi..
Reporter- Aapka matlab aapke samne police nahi jayegi..?
Satyam- Nahi jayegi, ye guarantee hai meri..
Reporter- Chahe videshi lao
Satyam- Kahin ki lao..
Amar singh – Koi dikkat nahi hai..
Amar singh- Inke us mein (farmhouse) yahi kaam chalta hai, foreign wale bhi aatey hain , bahut aatey hain foreign wale.
[Satyam and Amar clarified that their assurance of safety only extends only to our guests staying within the premises of the farmhouse.]
Tehelka SIT’sinvestigation has unearthed a disconcerting reality: farmhouses brazenly hosting parties without proper alcohol consumption licenses, flouting numerous excise regulations despite repeated crackdowns and stern warnings by the excise department. The time is ripe for decisive action by the excise department to address these blatant violations and ensure accountability within the farmhouse community. The department must crack down on these blatant violations, ensure accountability within the farmhouse community, and safeguard public well-being. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated; immediate intervention is imperative to uphold the integrity of regulatory frameworks.
