CPI volunteers picket Puducherry excise office

Around 32 volunteers of the Communist Party of India (CPI) were arrested when they picketed the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Excise here on Thursday demanding the shifting of arrack shops located in residential areas in the city.

The police erected barricades in front of the Excise Department to stop the protesters from entering the premises. Tension prevailed after the activists led by CPI executive committee member Sethu Selvam tried to push through the barricades and enter the premises. They raised slogans against the government demanding the cancellation of online auction of arrack shops. The police intervened and arrested them.

Mr. Sethu Selvam said the party had been carrying out various protests seeking the relocation of arrack shops at Kavundampalayam and Moolakulam. Both the arrack shops have resulted in frequent traffic jams and insecurity for the residents.

Demand relocation of arrack shops located in residential areas