Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal

Gurugram: A Place Where “Legal Nothing but Allowed Everything” Prevails

Haryana’s Reputation Shift: From Milk and Curd to Liquor and Illicit Trade
Haryana, once famous for its curd and milk, has now become notorious for its thriving liquor industry, particularly the illicit liquor trade. The state, which was once celebrated for its agricultural produce, is now known for its booming liquor mafia, which operates with impunity. The liquor mafia has long enjoyed the patronage of politicians, cutting across party lines, ensuring that the trade continues unchallenged.

Liquor Smuggling During the Pandemic
One of the most significant incidents highlighting the liquor mafia’s power occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Trucks carrying liquor were smuggled from Haryana to neighboring states, despite the lockdown restrictions. Then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar ordered a high-level probe, tasking an SIT led by IAS officer T.C. Gupta to investigate the matter. However, this report, much like many others, has been left gathering dust, with little to no action taken since then.

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Accusations Against Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala
There have been accusations of Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala’s involvement in facilitating the liquor mafia’s operations, further complicating the state’s fight against illicit liquor. The political patronage of such illegal operations has raised serious concerns among the public, who remain frustrated with the lack of concrete action to curb the mafia’s reach.

The 1980s Tragedy: Narwana Town’s Illicit Liquor Scandal
The illicit liquor trade in Haryana has a dark history, with one of the most notorious incidents taking place in Narwana, a town in Jind district. In the 1980s, about a hundred people died and an equal number were blinded after consuming illicit liquor. During this time, nearly every official who should have been tasked with preventing such a tragedy was, in fact, on the payroll of the liquor mafia.

Sanjay Kothari’s Heroic Effort to Prevent Tragedy
However, one individual who stood against the system was Sanjay Kothari, the young IAS officer and SDM of Narwana. He refused to be bribed and worked to expose the illicit trade. When the police department, led by the then DSP of Narwana, received a tip-off about a raid on a liquor store, the corrupt officials involved tried to alert the store owner. But Kothari, through his persistence, ensured that the raid took place, leading to the owner fleeing and the destruction of illicit liquor.

Indian Express Investigation and Suspension of DSP
The incident was reported by Indian Express journalist Pawan Bansal, whose efforts in exposing the situation led to the suspension of the corrupt DSP. Despite heavy pressure and threats, Bansal managed to send the information to his newspaper, which further led to the suspension of the DSP. Kothari also made public announcements on the local PA system in villages near Narwana, warning residents not to buy illicit liquor. His actions are credited with saving hundreds of lives during this crisis.

The Aftermath: Minister’s Resignation
In the wake of the tragedy, Haryana’s Excise and Taxation Minister, Balwant Tayal, had to resign, as the illicit liquor kingpin involved was reportedly a close relative of his friend. This incident highlighted the deep connections between politicians and the liquor mafia, which continued to operate with ease despite numerous deaths and widespread corruption.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Challenge of Curbing the Liquor Mafia
Despite these past efforts to curb the liquor mafia, Haryana still struggles with widespread corruption and illegal liquor trade. The political protection the mafia enjoys and the lack of long-term accountability continue to hamper genuine reform. The state’s fight against illicit liquor trade remains an ongoing battle, one that needs both political will and public support to succeed.