In a shocking incident, a 17-year-old boy, studying plus two in a government school in Sholavandan was found in an inebriated condition.
Inquiries revealed that he had consumed liquor in an isolated area after purchasing it from a TASMAC outlet in Melakkal. After the headmistress lodged a complaint with the police, investigations led to the arrest of the TASMAC salesman.
Based on the confession of the student, the police arrested the Melakkal TASMAC salesman Murugesan for selling the liquor bottle to the student on November 15. Further investigation is on.
A few months back, when a similar complaint cropped up that many students had access to tobacco products near their schools in suburban locations, Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan, had organised raids. Cases were booked against the shopkeepers and warnings were given to some of them by the local police officers and they promised not to sell tobacco products to students.
During that time, the police had appealed to the TASMAC salesmen to ensure that teenaged boys (those below 18-years) do not have access to the retail liquor outlets.
Police to monitor
In a press release, Mr. Balakrishnan appealed to the parents to closely monitor their children.
The police would conduct surprise checks in the TASMAC bars from now onwards and in the event of any adolescent spotted, legal action would be initiated against the salesmen, he warned.
