Police remove PMK activists for attempting to lock TASMAC outlet in Coimbatore

The agitators were led by State vice-president Vadivel Gounder

Pattali Makkal Katchi cadre staging an agitation in Coimbatore on Monday. Photo: S. Siva Saravanan

Coimbatore Police on Monday removed activists of the Pattali Makkal Katchi led by State vice-president Vadivel Gounder for attempting to lock the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation-run liquor outlet at Gandhipuram.

The PMK had called for a State-wide agitation to lock TASMAC outlets in a bid to demand total prohibition in the State. As part of the agitation, the cadre assembled in Gandhipuram area were removed by the police.

Staff Reporter adds from Tirupur:

As many as 173 PMK members were arrested in the district on Monday when they attempted to ‘lock’ shops selling liquor as part of an agitation to highlight their demand for ban on sale of liquor items.

The agitations were held at Tirupur city, Dharapuram, Udumalpet, Kangayam and Palladam.

PMK men said the consumption of liquor had a cascading effect on family relationships apart from the economical problems. “This apart, driving in an inebriated condition is responsible for a large number of accidents taking place in the district,” they added.