Following the murder of a TVK functionary in Sivaganga, villagers staged a protest here on Wednesday against reopening of a liquor bar.A government-run liquor shop along with a bar has been operating near the Sivaganga Railway Station.On June 7, Navinkumar, 26, a TVK functionary from Ponnampatti, reportedly consumed liquor at the bar.During an altercation with a gang, they hacked him to death. The Sivaganga Town police registered a case and arrested three individuals in this connection.Due to the location of this liquor shop and bar situated in very close proximity to the railway station and a temple, frequent disturbance occurred, said the protesters.Consequently, residents had repeatedly submitted petitions to have them removed; however, officials failed to take action.Meanwhile, following the murder, it was communicated by the police that the liquor shop and bar would not be opened.However, the Tasmac administration took steps to reopen the liquor shop and bar on Wednesday.Upon learning this, former panchayat president Malaichamy, Congress district president Sanjay and residents from Ponnampatti, D. Pudur, and Surakkulam areas staged a protest by blocking the bar.The protesters dispersed only after the police, who arrived at the scene, assured them that steps were being taken to relocate the liquor shop and bar to a different area. Published - June 10, 2026 09:06 pm IST