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Indian Express
4 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
‘How can they wake up one day, ask us to leave?': Palika Dham complex in Delhi declared unsafe, residents told to vacate
Walk through the black gate of the Palika Dham Housing Complex in Gole Market, and you're met with a long row of modest grey buildings that have seen better days — broken tiles reveal the brickwork beneath, seepage marks stain the walls, and small plants have taken root in the cracks. Recently, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) declared the buildings unsafe and asked residents to vacate their homes. In a notice issued on July 11, residents were directed to register their names and details on the NDMC's e-Awas Portal between July 14 and 16 to apply for alternative housing. Verification of these applications was to be completed by July 17. 'Failure to do so will result in non-allotment of alternative accommodation at new locations… the existing quarters will have to be vacated compulsorily,' the notice further read. The announcement has left residents divided — all of whom are government employees, both retired and currently serving. Pointing to a broken window in her flat from the road, Roshni, an employee with the NDMC's health department, said, 'They are asking us to vacate for a valid reason. What if an accident takes place? Who will be responsible?' She said that a month ago, her sister-in-law suffered injuries to her back after plaster from the ceiling at her home fell on her. 'Moving and shifting the children to other schools will be a hassle, but it is better than living with a daily risk.' She added that the water tankers located above the homes have caused seepage and weakened the ceilings. Since the 1970s, the complex has been home to more than a hundred government employees, said residents. It also includes a gym, a temple, and a baraat ghar (wedding hall). Another employee with the health department, who was bringing his two children back from school on a two-wheeler, agreed that the apartments are in bad shape. 'I hope they allot a place nearby. But even if it is a little far from the school, I will drop my children.' However, President of the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA), Raju Dhakolia, said the solution is not to evict residents. 'Ever since the buildings were constructed in the 1970s, no repairs have been undertaken. Suddenly, 150 flats need to be emptied. How can they wake up one fine day and ask us to move out, declaring our homes unsafe?' said Dhakolia, a retired NDMC electricity department employee. The RWA has submitted a letter to the New Delhi Assembly constituency MLA, Parvesh Sahib Singh, requesting him to solve the problems faced by residents. Their concerns include broken handpumps, lack of security guards, overgrown trees, and leakage in water pipelines. When contacted, NDMC officials said these houses are brick masonry structures constructed in 1974. 'The NDMC places highest priority on the safety and welfare of its employees. After a detailed structural assessment, the Palika Dham flats, which are more than 50 years old and have outlived their lifespan, were declared unsafe for habitation. The safety of residents cannot be compromised under any circumstances. However, regular maintenance of these flats was being carried out by the council,' an official said. The official added that the civic body has taken proactive steps to ensure that affected residents are offered new, suitable and more spacious alternative accommodations.
India Today
14 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Why revenue officials still police parts of Uttarakhand
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 28, 2025)A narrow, slippery trail climbs steeply for 100 metres before you reach the remote chowki in Jakhnikhal tehsil of Pauri Garhwal district. The outpost is a rundown two-storeyed structure, its central hall serving as a shared office for several patwaris—revenue sub-inspectors tasked with policing dozens of villages between them. A rusted lockup now holds old documents and body bags; a toilet has become a records room. A few cracked chairs flank a bench; faded maps hang loose on the walls. Roshni Sharma, 27, has been posted here just a few months. 'We handle land records and police work, both,' says the young patwari, who has seven villages under her jurisdiction. 'It becomes hard to do either properly.'advertisementFor nearly two centuries, policing in Uttarakhand's hilly interior is carried out not by trained officers, but by revenue officials like Roshni—patwaris, kanungos, lekhpals—whose primary job was to maintain land records, collect taxes, compile census data and issue certificates. This Revenue Police (RP) system, introduced by the British in the early 19th century, still serves nearly half the state's area and about 25 per cent of its population. RP officials can file FIRs, investigate crimes, arrest suspects and submit chargesheets in court, but only up to a point. Cases of serious crime are transferred to the regular police, triggering a slow bureaucratic relay: from patwari to district magistrate (DM) to superintendent of police (SP) to the police station concerned. Evidence is often lost in the lag. After years of delay and resistance, the system is now under pressure. In May 2024, the Uttarakhand High Court (HC) gave the state one year to implement a 2018 judgment that had ordered the abolition of the RP system. But with 4,421 villages still under the jurisdiction of 478 RP chowkis, a civil contempt petition was filed recently, citing non-compliance. The court has asked the government to file a response. The state government, meanwhile, claims progress. According to official data, since 2023, 1,357 revenue villages have been brought under regular police with the setting up of six new stations and 20 outposts. Additionally, the jurisdiction of 52 existing police stations and 19 outposts has been expanded to encompass 1,800 more villages. But a lot of work remains. 'In the current day and age, we need police coverage in all areas because their work is not just limited to crime control and law and order,' admits Abhinav Kumar, a former acting director-general of police (DGP) of Uttarakhand, who is now posted as additional director-general (ADG), prisons. 'At present, almost a fourth of the state's population remains uncovered by the regular police. This is an anomaly that must be corrected.'A COLONIAL RELICThe RP system began after the British annexed Kumaon and eastern Garhwal (present-day Pauri Garhwal) from the Gurkhas in 1816. Finding little crime in the rugged hills, they chose not to deploy regular police outside towns like Almora and Nainital, instead giving police powers to revenue officials. After the 1857 revolt, while modern policing spread elsewhere, the British retained the RP model in hill areas under the Scheduled Districts Act of 1874. Also tried in parts of present-day Himachal Pradesh, Assam and some tribal regions, it was phased out there decades ago. Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, and its own Police Act came in 2007—but in many districts, the colonial system stayed in days, however, crime in the hills is no longer rare or simple. The rise of tourism, road networks connecting remote villages, the proliferation of mobile phones and porous borders have brought in organised crime, drug trafficking and cybercrime. 'Tourism brings new challenges,' says a retired IPS officer who served in both UP and Uttarakhand. 'When outsiders are involved, coordination is nearly impossible for the revenue police. Getting forensic help is also hard.'In RP areas, the patwari—who may be as young as Roshni—is the top investigating officer, regardless of the nature of the crime. There is no supervisory chain of command like in regular police stations, where cases are overseen by sub-inspectors, inspectors and deputy SPs. Training is minimal; one patwari admitted they had barely been briefed on the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) last lack of training can have serious repercussions. The 2018 HC judgment stemmed from a 2011 dowry death case in Tehri Garhwal, which exposed delays and inefficiencies in the RP system. However, the state challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court. In 2022, the system's limitations were starkly highlighted again when 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari went missing from a resort in Rishikesh, where she worked. Her disappearance was reported to the local patwari, but no FIR was registered. The case was transferred to the regular police days later, by which time crucial evidence had employer, Pulkit Arya—the son of a former BJP leader—was later arrested for her murder (and recently sentenced to life imprisonment). The patwari in charge, Vaibhav Pratap, was suspended and arrested for negligence. The case triggered a political storm, with Uttarakhand assembly speaker Ritu Khanduri writing to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urging abolition of the colonial-era system. Soon after, the cabinet approved a proposal to phase out the RP. But, in many areas, nothing has Jhaid village in Pauri Garhwal district, for instance, residents recall an incident just weeks ago when an elderly man slipped into a gorge. With no road, and no regular police, it took locals and the patwari nearly eight hours to retrieve the body. 'It has been nearly 78 years since Independence, and still we have no proper police,' says Yogesh Maithani, a local. 'Many incidents go know the lone patwari has no resources.'advertisement CAUGHT BETWEEN ROLESFor patwaris, the job is a daily balancing act between civil and policing duties. 'We do the same work as a sub-inspector or inspector, but also handle land records, government schemes—and do it without vehicles, weapons or staff,' says Atul Balodhi, president of the Pauri District Patwari Sangh. 'Even our safety is at risk.'In disaster-prone hill regions, the patwari is also the first responder during landslides, floods and road accidents. So far, Roshni has dealt with two criminal cases—a missing girl and a village brawl. But as the area's de facto cop, more calls are sure to come. 'The worst is accidental deaths. We're expected to shift the body, arrange the postmortem, coordinate with the family—all without any support,' she says. 'We end up begging locals for help.' She now leans on two fellow women patwaris from her training batch—Monika, who covers seven villages, and Sheetal Negi, who manages 14. 'That's why we share the chowki,' she says. 'So we can help each other.'advertisementDespite multiple court orders and official commitments, progress on dismantling the RP system remains halting—partly due to political and administrative resistance. A senior IPS officer tells india today that the inertia stems from multiple quarters: 'Politicians are wary of disturbing a status quo that gives them informal leverage. The civil bureaucracy, especially at the district level, has the most to lose in terms of authority.' Even some locals are nostalgic about the patwari as a familiar authority IG (law & order) and police spokesperson Nilesh Anand Bharne is emphatic that reforms are under way. 'We are committed to improving policing and public services across the state, and replacing revenue police wherever needed. We have already brought large areas and population under regular police,' he with vast swathes of Uttarakhand still being policed by revenue officials, Balodhi complains that they are left to operate with outdated tools and little institutional support. 'The world has moved on. But we haven't,' he says. 'We don't have digital records, we're not connected to a centralised crime tracking network, everything is still on paper.' Unless the transition to regular policing is accelerated and implemented in both letter and spirit, accountability, justice and public safety in the hills will remain patchy—and patwaris like Roshni will be left to shoulder impossible burdens.—By Avaneesh Mishra in Dehradun and Pauri GarhwalSubscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- New Indian Express
Vijayawada student dies by suicide after college flags attendance issue
VIJAYAWADA: A 16-year-old intermediate student from the Bhavanipuram branch of Narayana Junior College died by suicide on Tuesday night. Bhavanipuram Inspector K Uma Maheswara Rao said the deceased, identified as RK Jeevan Sai, had been irregular in attending classes. After the college management informed his parents about his poor attendance, Sai reportedly became upset and took the extreme step. A case has been registered. Suicide helpline: OneLife: 78930 78930, Roshni, Hyderabad-based NGO: 040-66202000
India.com
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who is this 23-year-old actor set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Ajay Devgn? She was once a child artist, her name is...
What happens when a child star outgrows television and steps into the glare of Bollywood's big lights? For Roshni Walia, the answer may unfold on July 25, 2025, when she appears alongside Ajay Devgn in the much-awaited sequel, Son of Sardaar 2. But this isn't just another casting, it's a full-circle moment for a girl who's been on camera since age seven. Who is Roshni Walia? Born in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and now just 23, Roshni isn't a stranger to the limelight. She began her acting journey with a commercial at the age of 7 and quickly transitioned to television with her debut in Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki (2012). That same year, she made a splash in My Friend Ganesha 4. Her face may be familiar from hit shows like Balika Vadhu, Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev, Maharana Pratap, and Yeh Vaada Raha. Over the years, she built not just a resume but a fanbase, especially among the youth, thanks to her vibrant social media presence. Why is her debut creating buzz? Because this isn't a small launch. Son of Sardaar 2 is a sequel to the 2012 Ajay Devgn-starrer and brings back high-octane action, Punjabi flair, and big names. Apart from Devgn and Roshni, the film stars Mrunal Thakur and Sanjay Mishra, adding gravitas and flair. At the trailer launch, Roshni reportedly got emotional. 'This is my first film. Working with such huge stars means a lot to me,' she said, teary-eyed yet glowing with pride. Will this film elevate her career? Industry watchers think so. A debut with a big banner, a legacy sequel, and the support of a seasoned cast? It's the kind of launch many actors dream of. If Roshni holds her own on screen, and signs suggest she will, she could very well be Bollywood's next breakout face.
News18
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Son Of Sardaar 2 Star Roshni Walia Reveals Priyanka Chopra Is Her Inspiration
Last Updated: Roshni Walia did not even need to think twice when she answered it was Priyanka Chopra with whom she would swap lives if given a chance. Television star Roshni Walia, popularly known for her portrayal of Ajabde Punwar in Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, is all set to make her Bollywood debut in Vijay Kumar Arora's upcoming film Son of Sardaar 2. Roshni will be appearing in the film alongside Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur. Ahead of the film's release, Roshni sat for a conversation with Filmygyan. During the interview, the actress was seen talking about her career, her journey in the entertainment industry, as well as her dreams and aspirations. When asked who she would want to swap lives with, Roshni did not even need to think twice when she answered it was Priyanka Chopra with whom she would swap lives if given a chance. 'I would want to swap lives with Priyanka Chopra; she is the most inspiring actress," Roshni stated during the interview. View this post on Instagram A post shared by F I L M Y G Y A N (@filmygyan) She was also seen talking about her experience of working with Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur, revealing that Ajay Devgn was not at all strict on set as everyone perceived him to be and revealing that he was fun to be around. While talking about her experience with Mrunal Thakur, Roshni stated, 'She is a superstar. She is one of the most amazing actresses we have in India. She is rocking, growing and glowing." Previously, during the trailer launch event of Son of Sardaar 2, Roshni was seen breaking down as she could not hold back her emotions. As per Telly Reporter, the 23-year-old actress was seen reflecting on her journey from Allahabad to Bollywood. 'Itni badi film hai aur sabke saath kaam karne ka mauka mila hai, bohot accha lag raha hai. Ek chhote sheher (Allahabad) se aakar in sab ke saath khadi hoon aur baithi hoon; it's so surreal. I'm so overwhelmed… Sir (Ajay Devgn), main bol nahi paungi," Roshni stated. Son of Sardaar 2 is a spiritual sequel to Ajay Devgn's 2012 hit film of the same name. The actor will be seen reprising his role as Jaswinder 'Jassi" Singh Randhawa in this sequel. Alongside Ajay, the film also features Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, and debutant Roshni Walia in other important roles. The film is set to release in theaters on July 25. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
