Dharmapuri: Tension gripped Bodur village near Pennagaram in Dharmapuri district on Monday morning after residents vandalised four liquor outlets that were allegedly operating illegally in the area.
Incident Details
According to a police officer from Pennagaram station, a group of villagers and youth gathered and attacked four such shops in Bodur, damaging property and seizing liquor bottles. The officer stated that the crowd acted after alleging that local authorities had failed to act on their complaints about unauthorised liquor sales in Pennagaram and surrounding areas.
Public Frustration
Locals claimed they had made multiple complaints to the police regarding the illegal sale of alcohol, but no action was taken. Feeling ignored, they decided to take matters into their own hands. During the confrontation, a shop owner identified as A Govindan, from Pennagaram, argued with the crowd and was chased away by residents, including women.
Police Response
Police arrived at the scene later and initiated an investigation. Pennagaram inspector Babu Suresh Kumar subsequently arrested three individuals on charges of smuggling and selling liquor. The arrested were identified as Govindaraj, 48, Mathes, 58, and Soudhammal, 39, all residents of Bodur. Further investigation is ongoing.
