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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.

When Austria Turns Into a Fairytale: My Christmas Market Trail

Europe’s centuries-old Christmas markets glow with a warmth that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Traveling through Europe during Christmas—to Vienna, Prague, Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Budapest, Brussels, Cologne, and Berlin—remains an unforgettable chapter of my life. Wandering from market to market in December revealed each town’s unique celebration of the season. Twinkling lights, mulled wine, wooden stalls, and festive music created a timeless, enchanting atmosphere.


Europe offers many beautiful Christmas markets: some world-famous, others intimate and hidden among historic lanes. Most are centuries old, rooted in tradition, and decorated with warmth that makes even the coldest evening comforting. I was fortunate to visit as a tour leader with our Global Voyages groups and at times with my family. Each visit gave me lifelong memories.


My dream of experiencing winter in Europe began years ago, and it came true four times. Each time, I had the privilege of leading groups during this magical season. In 2016, we were a group of 27 travellers—many visiting Europe for the first time. Their excitement mirrored my own. We began our journey in Vienna, explored the charming Christmas markets nearby, and slowly made our way toward Budapest. The tour lasted around ten wonderful days, filled with sparkling lights, winter flavours, and the cultural moments I had always longed to witness.


One little girl in our group was just nine years old during our 2018 tour. Even after nine years, she still remembers every moment of that magical trip. That is the true power of Christmas in Europe—it carves memories into the heart forever.


So now, let us begin our journey into the Christmas magic of Austria and Hungary. The next three parts will take you deeper into more wonderful European Christmas stories!


Vienna – A City Dressed in Light

Our journey began in Vienna, Austria. On the very first evening, we gently walked around Stephansplatz and visited the famous Stephansdom Christmas Market. The crisp winter breeze, the warm glow of the cathedral, and the comfort of a cup of hot chocolate—or Glühwein—set the perfect tone for our adventure. Vienna’s old-world charm truly sparkles during Christmas, and this energy filled our group with childlike excitement.


The next day, wrapped in thermals and winter jackets, we were ready to explore more of the city. We visited the iconic Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, perhaps Vienna’s most beloved Christmas market, glowing as a scene pulled straight from a fairy tale. We admired the majestic Hofburg Palace from the outside and then enjoyed a dreamy horse-carriage ride (Fiaker) through the illuminated old town.


Later, we continued to Maria‐Theresien‐Platz Market, where we tasted Kaiserschmarrn, warm sausages, and roasted chestnuts—the perfect winter treats. At the Karlsplatz Art Advent Market, we wandered among handmade crafts and watched delightful live performances.


Schönbrunn, Belvedere & An Evening of Music

Our third day was dedicated to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1,441 rooms and centuries of royal history. Walking through its grounds during Christmas felt like stepping into an imperial winter dream. We enjoyed gingerbread and Austrian punch and bought a few handmade toys—each stall reflecting the spirit of the season.


Later, we visited the romantic Belvedere Palace Christmas Market, where shimmering reflections of festive lights danced across the lakeside waters—a moment that felt beautifully surreal. We ended the evening with a classical concert, a soulful highlight that left all of us deeply moved.


Salzburg – Music, Mountains & Mozartkugeln

The next day, we travelled to Salzburg, just 2.5 hours from Vienna. The scenic drive felt like moving through the pages of a snowy storybook. At Cathedral Square, we explored the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt. Then we rode up to Hohensalzburg Fortress on a funicular—a charming cable railway experience that delighted everyone.


We visited Mozart’s Birthplace, wandered the festive lanes of Getreidegasse, and tasted Salzburg’s famous Mozartkugeln—the delightful pistachio–marzipan–nougat chocolates. By evening, we returned to Vienna with hearts as warm as the treats we tasted.


Hallstatt – Austria’s Fairytale Snow Village

The following day took us to Hallstatt, one of the most breathtaking villages in the world. Wrapped in snowfall, surrounded by mountains, and mirrored perfectly on the sapphire lake, Hallstatt felt like a serene dream. Famous for its ancient salt mines, unique ossuary, and postcard-perfect scenery, this village touched us deeply with its quiet beauty.


The next morning, we departed for Budapest—ready for a new chapter of Christmas magic.

 

Stay tuned for Part 2, where our heartwarming winter journey continues into Hungary!


(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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