Residents of DLF Phase 1 protest against liquor shop near Metro station

Residents and the councillor got to know about the shop last Monday while the allottees were adding shutters to its structure, said Rathee. The residents then called the police in an attempt to stop further construction.

Over 100 residents of DLF Phase-1 on Saturday protested against the setting up of a liquor shop near the Rapid Metro Station in the area. Residents held placards from 10am to noon, near the site, and the ward councillor also wrote to the deputy excise commissioner and HSVP, alleging that a licence for a liquor shop was issued without consulting residents.

RS Rathee, councillor of Ward 34, alleged that the licence for the IMFL and country liquor outlet, on the left side of Golf Course Road of B block, near Rapid Metro station, had been granted without his knowledge or consultation (Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)

RS Rathee, councillor of Ward 34, alleged that the licence for the IMFL and country liquor outlet, on the left side of Golf Course Road of B block, near Rapid Metro station, had been granted without his knowledge or consultation. “This is a public utility land. There are schools around and liquor shops are already present in nearby malls. So, we don’t see the need for a shop here,” he said.

Residents and the councillor got to know about the shop last Monday while the allottees were adding shutters to its structure, said Rathee. The residents then called the police in an attempt to stop further construction.

“When we confronted the shop owners, they showed us papers that looked botched up. It did not have any DTCP plot allocation. The papers mentioned only 300 square yards, but these people were working on an area of one acre,” said Dhruv Bhansal, a 41-year-old jeweller, who was one of the first to notice the shop structure that he claimed to have mushroomed overnight.

Protesters alleged that the licensee cut trees in front of the shop as well.

“The shop is located on a green area. It is close to residential properties. Opening a liquor shop will lead to crowds, which will choke the service lane of the area, adding to the chaos,” said Gaurav Singla of Gurgaon Citizen’s Council.

Residents plan on meeting the excise commissioner on Monday.

“I will review their complaint on Monday. I am aware there was an agitation regarding the liquor shop but if the licence has been granted as per law, there is little that can be done. If not, we will take steps,” said Sneh Lata Yadav, deputy excise commissioner.