Villagers, including women from Alathur and Siruthavur villages of Tiruporur taluk in Kancheepuram district, demolished a portion of a building that was under construction for a retail Tasmac outlet.
Tension prevailed on Alathur-Siruthavur Road on Thursday as a large number of protesters and several policemen were found arguing with each other over the location of the shop.
HC directive
As per a High Court directive, Tasmac outlets operating on highways have be to closed down or relocated. Four shops are in Koovathur and Alathur localities in Kancheepuram district.
Tasmac officials are forced to find alternative locations for opening the outlets.
Since the building under construction on Alathur road was on agriculture land, villagers have been opposing it.
A few days ago, the villagers protested in front of the taluk office against allowing a shop on a village road. Though the construction work was stopped, it resumed a couple of days ago at night time, alleged the villagers.
Police quell protest
Their protests on the main road were blocked by police team waiting in large numbers. Irked by the move by the land owner, the villagers, including women, demolished the building using hammers and crowbars.
Women, who picked up an argument with police officials, said that there were several farmlands near the proposed shop building and they feared the wells nearby would get polluted.
Use of plastic
They said plastic material used by customers of the wine shop would affect the groundwater of the area. Despite several petitions to government officials, there was no response.
The Tiruporur police are investigating the matter.
