Villagers ransack new Tasmac outlet at Theethipalayam

Coimbatore: A new Tasmac shop was ransacked by a group of villagers at Theethipalayam on the outskirts of the city on Monday evening.

Authorities have planned to start the sale at the outlet from Tuesday afternoon. But the villagers have been warning against opening of the outlet and threatened to conduct protest. But the authorities went ahead with their plan.

Meanwhile, more than 50 people from the village gathered in front of the shop on Monday evening and brought an earthmover. They broke open the shop and broke 2,800 bottles of liquor. They also tried to set broken liquor bottles on fire. However, the Perur police reached the spot and held inquiry with the Tasmac staff. Police dispersed the protesters from the place.

A police source said the new outlet is to make up for an outlet (number 1761) that was closed near Madukkarai Market a few months ago. But they did not bring the notice to the higher police officials and informed Perur police station itself to their plan to open the shop. So, the police could not provide any protection for the shop.

However, the police plan to register an FIR against the protesters for breaking open the Tasmac outlet and damaging liquor bottles.