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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Drop by drop, how the border between Bihar and U.P. blurs in Jawahi Diyar village
In Bihar's Jawahi Diyar village along the border of Uttar Pradesh, life flows on an even keel. And so does liquor. While Bihar was declared a dry State in 2016, liquor flows freely in the riverine village, blurring the State borders, literally. With the arrival of noon, the remote village in Buxar district becomes a centre of activity. At times, too much activity — something that has become difficult for villagers like 68-year-old Awadh Bihari Yadav and his sons to ignore. While a portion of Mr. Yadav's humble home with unplastered walls lies in Buxar district of Bihar, the rest falls in Ballia district of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. 'The village youth often go across the border to get drunk and even smuggle in bottles,' says Satyendra, 30, Mr. Yadav's youngest son, a farmer. Not too far from their house is a liquor shop, announcing its presence with a red signboard hanging on a brick wall: 'Composite English/Beer Wine Shop'. Bottles and cash are exchanged through a single iron-grilled window. At the bend in the road that leads to the shop is a small shack that sells snacks. It's around 1 p.m. on a scorching June afternoon, but there are groups of men in their 20s sitting and drinking. They occasionally disperse on their motorcycles when they see a car with Bihar registration number. The man behind the counter is quick to reassure. 'Don't worry, this liquor shop is in U.P. and there is no ban on liquor here,' he says, wishing to remain anonymous. As an afterthought, he adds, 'The shop is owned by a person living in the neighbouring Ghazipur district, U.P.' In April 2016, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar banned the sale of alcohol in Bihar. With that, buying, selling, manufacturing, and consumption of liquor became prohibited in the State. If the law is violated, the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, stipulates strict action, including a jail term. The prohibition However, hundreds of people, including police personnel have been caught for their involvement in the illicit liquor business. A month ago, 40 cartons of liquor were caught in an ambulance in Muzaffarpur district. In January, three policemen were caught for storing liquor in the Sultanganj police station in Patna. Two years ago, liquor was being sold from the Hajipur police station in Vaishali district. Liquor is smuggled from all neighbouring States, including some that don't share borders with it, like Haryana. Nepal, with which Bihar shares an international border, is another go-to place for liquor smuggling. In Jawahi Diyar, there is no barricade on the border that would have forced vehicles to slow down. On the Bihar side, the police stay at the Panchayat Bhawan, 200 meters away from the road that goes from Bihar to U.P. Around four police personnel operate out of here. The village, with 10,000-odd adults, is on the banks of the Ganga. Due to its riverine location, the village floods each year during the monsoon. 'We face two kinds of problems: seasonal displacement during the floods each year, and liquor,' says Mr. Satyendra. The nearest police station on the Bihar side is about 5 km away, at Brahampur, while in U.P. it is at Haldi, 15-20 km away. 'If some serious crimes like murder or dacoity take place in a house located in the village, the police first have to confirm whether it happened on the Bihar or U.P. side,' says another villager, wishing not to be named. The liquor store is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, he adds. 'Some of those drinking are also engaged in the illicit trade of bottles to Bihar and are dangerous people,' he says, adding that there is a nexus between the police and the Bihar Excise Department. 'Who doesn't want quick money in life?' he says. Karan Choubey, 35, another villager, points a finger towards some houses larger than the others. 'A few houses like these have been constructed overnight in the village,' says Mr. Choubey, hinting at illegal source of income, mainly though liquor smuggling. Strict vigil According to the police, however, they are patrolling hard. 'We are plugging holes on the borders in partnership with the State Prohibition and Excise Department. We have also sent a proposal to the State government to hand over prohibition matters to us from the CID (Crime Investigation Department) wing,' Bihar Additional Director General of Police Kundan Krishnan tells The Hindu. About the missing barricade on the border of Jawahi Diyar village, the officer says, 'There is a department [the State Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department, which usually puts up checkpoint by placing iron barriers] in Jawahi Diyar village too... I've no idea why it has been removed.' As per a report recently released by Bihar's Prohibition and Excise Department 'from April 5, 2016 until March this year, out of 84 checkpoints, 67 are inter-State, set up to prevent the influx of banned liquor in the State'. The report also states that as many as 9.36 lakh cases of prohibition law violations were registered in the State since April 2016, leading to the arrest of 14 lakh people. 'As many as 4.18 lakh cases were disposed of by special excise courts with 4.16 lakh convictions,' the report adds. The excise and police departments together, according to the report, seized 3.86 crore litres of illicit liquor. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav often criticises the State government, saying that the 'prohibition has completely failed in Bihar'. The Chief Minister, though, continues to caution people with his oft-repeated 'Piyoge to maroge (if you drink, you die)' dictum and that his government would continue with prohibition, come what may.
Mint
6 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
PM Modi in Bhopal: Operation Sindoor a ‘Naari Shakti' symbol as ‘brave daughters of BSF' showed valour
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan' in Bhopal on the 300th birth anniversary of legendary queen Ahilyabai Holkar. He also virtually inaugurated the Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro, Datia and Satna airports and laid the foundation stone of some developmental projects. He also transferred the first instalment of 1,271 new Atal Gram Seva Sadan (Panchayat Bhawan), built at ₹ 483 crore. PM Modi said, 'In Pahalgam, terrorists not only shed the blood of Indians, but they also attacked our culture. They tried to divide our society. These terrorists have challenged the women's power of India -- a challenge that has now turned into a nightmare for the terrorists and their handlers.' 2. 'Operation Sindoor is India's largest and most successful counter-terrorism operation. Our forces destroyed terrorist hideouts in places that even Pakistan's army had never imagined. This operation made it loud and clear that proxy wars through terrorism will no longer be tolerated. Now, we will strike even inside enemy territory, and those who support terrorists will also pay a heavy price,' he added. 3. While applauding the women personnel for their contribution during Operation Sindoor, PM Modi stated, 'Operation Sindoor has also become a symbol of 'Naari Shakti. We all know how significant the role of the BSF (Border Security Force) was in this operation. BSF's daughters were holding the front lines from Jammu to Punjab, Rajasthan, and the Gujarat border. They gave a strong reply to cross-border firing. From the Command and Control Centre to destroying enemy posts, the brave daughters of the BSF displayed exceptional valour.' 4. 'For the first time, the doors of Sainik Schools have been opened to girls. Before 2014, only 25% of NCC cadets were girls, but now that number is heading toward 50%. The first batch of women cadets has passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA). From flying fighter planes to serving on INS Vikrant, women officers are demonstrating outstanding bravery,' PM Modi stressed on women deployment in frontline positions in the armed forces. 5. PM Modi mentioned, 'But today, the government is making efforts so that our women lead the way in modern tech. In agriculture, a drone revolution is happening. Through the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, the confidence and income of rural women are rising.' 6. 'Today, a large number of our daughters are becoming doctors, engineers, and scientists. In all of our major space missions, our mothers and sisters are working as scientists. In the Chandrayaan-3 mission, over 100 women scientists and engineers were involved,' he asserted. 7. PM Modi honoured Ahilyabai Holkar and remarked that merely hearing her name inspires profound respect, stating, 'She is a symbol of how, when there is public willpower and firm determination, even the most adverse circumstances can be overcome and transformed into remarkable outcomes. Centuries ago, when the country was shackled in slavery, accomplishing such great deeds that future generations would continue to speak of them was no easy task.'
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
PM Modi takes part in Bhopal event on 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, launches projects
Modi also transferred the first instalment of 1,271 new Atal Gram Seva Sadan (Panchayat Bhawan), built at Rs 483 crore.
The Print
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
PM Modi takes part in Bhopal event on 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, launches projects
Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered queen of the Holkar dynasty in 18th-century Malwa, is remembered for her exceptional governance, commitment to social welfare, and contributions towards culture and spirituality. During the programme at Jamboori Maidan here, he also virtually inaugurated the Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro, Datia and Satna airports and laid the foundation stone of various developmental projects. Bhopal, May 31 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in a 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan' in Bhopal on the 300th birth anniversary of legendary queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Modi also transferred the first instalment of 1,271 new Atal Gram Seva Sadan (Panchayat Bhawan), built at Rs 483 crore. The six-km-long Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro is part of the Metro Yellow Line, which includes 5 stations. It will give Indore, the country's cleanest city, a modern, pollution-free and fast transport facility, a first in Madhya Pradesh, according to officials. The PM released a postal stamp and a Rs 300 commemorative coin dedicated to Ahilyabai. He also honoured the artist, who has made a significant contribution to tribal, folk and traditional arts, with the National Devi Ahilyabai Award on the occasion. PTI MAS NR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
PM Modi takes part in Bhopal event on 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, launches projects
PM Modi inaugurates projects, honours Ahilyabai Holkar, and promotes women empowerment during event in Bhopal Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 31, 2025) took part in a 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan' in Bhopal on the 300th birth anniversary of legendary queen Ahilyabai Holkar. During the programme at Jamboori Maidan in Bhopal, he also virtually inaugurated the Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro, Datia and Satna airports and laid the foundation stone of various developmental projects. Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered queen of the Holkar dynasty in 18th-century Malwa, is remembered for her exceptional governance, commitment to social welfare, and contributions towards culture and spirituality. PM Modi also transferred the first instalment of 1,271 new Atal Gram Seva Sadan (Panchayat Bhawan), built at ₹483 crore. The six-km-long Super Priority Corridor of Indore Metro is part of the Metro Yellow Line, which includes 5 stations. It will give Indore, the country's cleanest city, a modern, pollution-free and fast transport facility, a first in Madhya Pradesh, according to officials. The PM released a postal stamp and a ₹300 commemorative coin dedicated to Ahilyabai. He also honoured the artist, who has made a significant contribution to tribal, folk and traditional arts, with the National Devi Ahilyabai Award on the occasion.
