A large group of women, along with their children, protested outside a government liquor outlet in Pattinapakkam, Foreshore Estate, seeking its closure, on Sunday.
Led by Sea Trust founder F. Agnus, more than 300 women from Srinivasapuram, Mullima Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur conducted a sit-in protest demanding the removal of a Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) shop near Foreshore Estate bus terminus.
A section of the protesters were arrested and lodged at a community hall in Foreshore Estate. Ms. Agnus said the shop resulted in much nuisance to women and children in the locality. Despite several representations to government departments, officials had turned a blind eye to the issue, she said.
Senthil Arumugam, secretary, Satta Panchayat Iyakkam, said the protesters had decided to continue their sit-in protest until the shop was closed.
A senior police officer said the shop did not create law-and-order problems in any way. Moreover, the shop was not located near any school or temple and hence residents could not recommend its closure. He said the police would persuade the protesters to call off their stir.
