Liquor Shop Near Raj Bhavan Shut After Protests

A controversy erupted in Bhopal on Friday when a liquor shop was shifted from Professor Colony to Banganga Nalla, opposite Raj Bhavan and Ravindra Bhavan. The new location sparked protests from local residents and Congress leaders, who demanded the outlet's immediate removal.

The liquor shop had earlier operated near Polytechnic Square but faced opposition from residents. It was relocated around 300 metres away to a cement concrete slab constructed over a drain near Ravindra Bhavan. However, the new location was met with strong resistance from residents, particularly women, who gathered at the site along with Congress leaders.

Leader of Opposition in Bhopal Municipal Corporation Shabista Zaki and Ward 24 Congress president Shoaib Khan led the protest. Zaki alleged that the shop was operating illegally on the catchment area of Lower Lake and was located barely 50 metres from Raj Bhavan. She argued that the site is surrounded by key government establishments, including Ravindra Bhavan, Madhya Pradesh Cultural Council, and Roshanpura area.

The protesters also expressed concerns that the liquor shop would increase crime and create an unsafe environment. Women protesters said they regularly visited Professor Colony for domestic work and feared for their safety. Police reached the spot to control the situation and tried to persuade the protesters.

Following continued opposition, the liquor contractor shut the shop. TT Nagar SDM Archana Rawat Sharma said a patwari and a revenue team had been deputed to inspect the site. Sharma added that action would be taken after the inquiry report and clarification from the excise department regarding the relocation and permissions are received.

The controversy highlights the concerns of residents and the need for responsible location of liquor shops. The closure of the shop is a temporary relief for the protesters, but the issue is likely to be revisited once the inquiry report is received.

The location of the liquor shop near key government establishments, including Raj Bhavan, has raised questions about the approval process for such outlets. The Madhya Pradesh government has faced criticism in the past for its handling of liquor shop locations, and this incident is likely to add to the debate.

In the meantime, residents of Bhopal will be watching the developments closely, hoping that their concerns are addressed. The incident has also brought attention to the need for greater transparency and public consultation in the location of liquor shops.

The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of liquor shops in the community and the need for responsible governance. As the inquiry report is awaited, residents and activists will be pushing for greater accountability and transparency in the decision-making process.

In conclusion, the closure of the liquor shop near Raj Bhavan is a significant development, highlighting the concerns of residents and the need for responsible governance. The incident is likely to have implications for the location of liquor shops in the future, and residents will be watching the developments closely.