Dharmapuri: Residents of a village near Pennagaram in Dharmapuri district vandalised four liquor outlets that were operating illegally in Bodur village on Monday morning, triggering tension in the area.“Villagers and youth gathered and attacked four such shops in Bodur, damaging property and seizing liquor bottles,” said a police officer from Pennagaram station.Locals claimed they had made multiple complaints to the police about unauthorised liquor sales in Pennagaram and nearby areas, but that no action was taken. They said they took matters into their own hands only after repeated complaints were not acknowledged or addressed. During the confrontation, a shop owner identified as A Govindan, from Pennagaram argued with the crowd and was chased away by residents, including women.Police later arrived at the scene and began an investigation. Pennagaram inspector Babu Suresh Kumar subsequently arrested Govindaraj, 48, Mathes, 58, and Soudhammal, 39, all three from Bodur, on charges of smuggling and selling liquor. Further investigation is on.
