Public staging a protest against Tasmac shop at levenjipuram in Thoothukudi on Friday.
| Photo Credit: N. RAJESH
Residents of Levingipuram, under Thoothukudi Corporation limits staged a protest on Friday by laying siege to a Tasmac outlet in the area, demanding its closure.The Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced that 717 Tasmac shops located near temples, educational institutions and residential areas would be closed. Of these, 63 shops were identified for closure in Thoothukudi district, and most have already been shut.In this context residents of Levingipuram, along with members of Hindu Makkal Katchi, gathered and protested, demanding the closure of the liquor shop situated close to their homes.Vasanthakumar, state secretary of Hindu Makkal Katchi said that the Tasmac shop number 10147 at Levingipuram has been included in a list given by the government for closure. However, he alleged even after the closure of several shops, including those not in the list no steps had been taken to shut this particular outlet, he added.He further noted that the Tasmac outlet, which also has an attached bar facility, has raised suspicion that it has not been closed due to the influence of local vested interests.He stated the presence of a college, places of worship and residential areas nearby has made the operation of the shop a major inconvenience for residents.The residents also urged for the immediate closure of the Levingipuram Tasmac outlet.He added that following discussion with district Tasmac officials, authorities assured that the shop would be relocated to an alternative site within 20 days, after which protestors dispersed peacefully. Published - June 12, 2026 08:29 pm IST
