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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Kolhapur cop sets new standard for investigations

Yogesh Kumar Gupta Kolhapur: When a police officer takes genuine interest in securing justice for citizens duped in financial fraud, investigations can move swiftly enough to lift the crushing burden off affected families. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Kumar Gupta has demonstrated precisely that. His firm and sensitive handling of a cheating case ensured relief for Akshay Deepak Dhale, a young entrepreneur from Kolhapur who had fallen prey to a Rajkot-based company that allegedly...

Kolhapur cop sets new standard for investigations

Yogesh Kumar Gupta Kolhapur: When a police officer takes genuine interest in securing justice for citizens duped in financial fraud, investigations can move swiftly enough to lift the crushing burden off affected families. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Kumar Gupta has demonstrated precisely that. His firm and sensitive handling of a cheating case ensured relief for Akshay Deepak Dhale, a young entrepreneur from Kolhapur who had fallen prey to a Rajkot-based company that allegedly promised to secure large government loans for business expansion. Gupta’s intervention compelled company representatives to travel to Kolhapur and assure repayment of the money collected, effectively forcing them onto the back foot. Dhale, a resident of Sadar Bazaar, had dreamt of expanding his late father’s small printing business after losing him during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lured by promises of securing a multi-crore loan under a Central government scheme, he transferred ₹69 lakh — raised from nearly 15 friends and relatives — to the company’s account. The loan, however, never materialised. When Dhale began making inquiries, he was met with evasive responses. The financial shock left the family devastated. Initial attempts to seek police help reportedly went nowhere, with the matter labelled as “non-criminal” and dismissed at the preliminary stage. Acting on advice, the family approached the district police chief directly. Gupta’s decisive stand altered the course of the case, leading to concrete assurances of refund from the company. However, a far larger challenge now looms before the Kolhapur police chief. Across Kolhapur — and reportedly other parts of Maharashtra — several Marathi youths claim to have been duped by a Morbi-based businessman who allegedly promises to set up “innovative” enterprises for aspiring entrepreneurs. The scale of the alleged fraud runs into crores of rupees. The businessman, said to be linked to a major tile industry in Morbi, is accused of luring youngsters through social media promotions and advertorials in prominent English dailies. Contracts are structured to appear transparent and legitimate. Prospective entrepreneurs are promised exclusive access to novel business models, often involving products sourced from Chinese markets, complete with projected marketing strategies and attractive feature lists. According to victims, payments are collected upfront, but the products eventually supplied lack the promised specifications and hold negligible market value. Several youths across Maharashtra are believed to have suffered losses. Those who have confronted the accused allege they were threatened with defamation suits and warned that a team of “expert lawyers” would ensure their financial and reputational ruin if complaints were filed. While some victims have resigned themselves to debt and despair, others who attempted to pursue police complaints claim they were turned away. For many of these young entrepreneurs, SP Yogesh Kumar Gupta represents a ray of hope. If he chooses to take up the matter with the same resolve demonstrated earlier, it could not only restore faith among affected youths but also send a strong deterrent message to fraudsters operating under the guise of innovation-driven enterprise.

Budapest: Where Christmas Lights Meet Timeless History

Part 2 – Continuing our European journey, we found Budapest to be a remarkable blend of history, architecture, healing traditions, and warm culture.

After Austria’s beautiful Christmas markets and glittering winter landscapes, we began the next leg of our journey—Budapest. This city has always fascinated me. Formed by the merger of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest in 1873, it is now a remarkable blend of history, architecture, healing traditions, and warm culture.


Budapest is known for many things: its famous thermal baths fed by more natural springs than any other capital, the world’s second-oldest metro system, and its iconic ruin bars in abandoned buildings. It also boasts Europe’s largest synagogue, a vast underground cave system, and is the birthplace of the Rubik’s Cube.


Yet beneath its beauty lies a painful past. During World War II, Hungary suffered under the Arrow Cross Party, whose brutal anti-Semitic ideology mirrored that of the Nazis. The most moving reminder is the Shoes on the Danube Bank—60 pairs of iron shoes marking where countless Jews were executed after being forced to remove their footwear. Standing before those silent shoes was deeply affecting, a reminder that travel isn’t only about beauty but also about remembering.


After the fall of the Soviet Bloc, Hungary slowly regained its freedom and identity. Today, like Latvia and Estonia, it remains more affordable than many Western European countries, making it an appealing destination for travellers.


Heart of Budapest

After wrapping up our Austrian adventure, we travelled by coach and checked into our central Budapest hotel. Everyone was excited—Budapest captivates you instantly. Without wasting time, we headed out for an evening walk to St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market, often voted the best in Europe.

It was magical—twinkling lights, wooden stalls, Christmas music, and the basilica standing like a silent guardian. We loved it so much we promised to return the next day—and we did!


We also explored the lively Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, Budapest’s oldest. Another highlight was the 3D light show at St Stephen’s Basilica, which made the basilica come alive. Hungry from all the walking, we treated ourselves to the famous Hungarian chimney cake (Kürtőskalács) before stopping for photos at the majestic Parliament building.


Finally, a peaceful walk along the Danube brought us back to our hotel, our tired feet reminding us that Budapest is a city best explored slowly and lovingly.


Night on the Danube

The next morning, despite the cold, we visited Budapest’s iconic thermal baths. Stepping into the steaming pools while the chilly air brushed our faces felt surreal—just the winter magic we needed. Relaxing and believed to have medicinal benefits, it was easy to see why locals love them.


In the afternoon, we browsed the vibrant Christmas shops on Váci Street and enjoyed a delicious local lunch at the Central Market Hall, a historic space filled with handmade goods and traditional Hungarian food.


Our evening was the highlight: a Danube River cruise under a sky of Christmas lights. The illuminated Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge shimmering like gold—none of us could stop smiling. It was one of those moments you tuck away in your heart forever.


Day Trip to Szentendre

The next day, we took a short trip to the charming riverside town of Szentendre. With its art galleries, craft shops, and colourful architecture, it felt like stepping into a Christmas storybook. We were delighted to find the Szentendre Christmas Village—a small, artistic market with handmade chocolates, pottery, candles, and local crafts.


Every corner felt warm and inviting. By evening, we returned to Budapest, grateful for the unexpected beauty this little town had shared with us.


That night, as I lay in bed, a thought crossed my mind: the more you explore the world, the more you realise how endless its wonders are.


Heartfelt Goodbye

Soon, it was time to say goodbye to Hungary. We returned to Vienna, spent a night at our hotel, relaxed at Café Sacher, and then made our way to Vienna International Airport for our flight back to India.


As I reflected on our journey, a few memories shone brightest: Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn in Vienna; the Cathedral and Fortress markets in Salzburg; St Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square in Budapest; the warm thermal baths; the twinkling Christmas trams; and the sweet tradition of “Jézuska” (Baby Jesus) bringing gifts on Christmas Eve.


As a Maharashtrian girl raised in a Hindu family, Christmas wasn’t something I grew up celebrating. Yet I always wished to experience its true essence. Working as a tour leader and travelling with curious, enthusiastic people has turned that quiet wish into a beautiful reality—again and again.


May this journey continue—and may you join me on the next chapter of Europe’s magical Christmas trail!


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

 

 

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