COIMBATORE: Over 50 staff of TASMAC shops in the Nilgiris staged a protest in Coonoor on Friday, demanding armed protection following an incident of assault.

Police said one Sylvester (56), a resident of the Bedford area, visited a Tasmac outlet near the Coonoor Municipal office to buy liquor.

“When a staff member allegedly asked him to pay Rs 10 extra, Sylvester broke into an argument. He then left the shop with the liquor bottle,” police said.

Later in the evening, Sylvester returned to the shop with his son, identified as Halan Rupat (25) and got into a quarrel.

“While the staff were unloading the liquor consignments, the duo allegedly barged in, argued with employees and also physically assaulted them, causing injuries,” police said.

The injured employees were admitted to a hospital, and a police complaint was lodged. After inquiries, the Coonoor police arrested the father and son duo and produced them in court to be remanded in judicial custody. CCTV footage of the assault incident has been circulated on social media.

Meanwhile, the employees of Tasmac, led by CITU members, staged a protest in Coonoor demanding armed protection for their staff and also sought to detain the two accused under the Goondas Act.