Liquor outlet ransacked in Madurai

The liquor shop that was present at the Alagarkovil main road was shifted to Moonur village near GMS MAVMM Polytechnic College recently. A building was constructed and sales had commenced four days ago. But the problem began from day one as a school girl was allegedly abused by one of the drunkards. 

People who were already opposed to setting up a liquor shop in their village were angered over the incident and they decided to stage a protest on Tuesday. Former MLA, Annadurai, of CPI(M) led the protest in which a section of students of the polytechnic college along with the women of the village damaged the outer railings of the TASMAC shop. The iron sheet that was kept as a barricade was completely damaged and the pipes at the TASMAC shop too were damaged. 

Owner of the building and TASMAC shop workers came to open the shop but they were denied entry. They were warned that if the shop was opened, the building would be demolished. Following that the building owner picked up a verbal duel and tried to attack the protesters. But as the students strength increased they left the spot. 

Sources said that the building owner of the TASMAC shop was a close aide of Madurai East Constituency MLA, Moorthy, and he was threatening people who had protested against the liquor shop. Following the damage to the TASMAC shop, the protesters went to Alagarkovil main road and staged a road roko. Madurai East Tahsildar, Karuppaiyah, held talks and promised that the shop would not be allowed to function in the place. The protesters then dispersed from the place.