Tipplers’ attack leaves cop with fractured hand

A sub-inspector (SI) attached to the Tirupur Central Police Station was attacked by a gang of drunken men in on Sunday.

According to police, SI Annadurai, a native of Madurai, was on patrol in Chellam Nagar, when he noticed a group of five men creating a ruckus while consuming liquor in a public place.

“They were consuming liquor in open near a Tasmac shop. The SI questioned them and the employees of the Tasmac shop for selling liquor even before the permissible hours in violation of norms,” the police said.

When the policeman asked them to go home, the tipplers entered into a quarrel and hurled abuses on him. After exchanging heated words, one of the five men pushed the SI to the ground and attacked him. Others also rained blows on Annadurai leaving him with fractures in his left hand.

Annadurai was rushed to a private hospital for treatment. The Tirupur Central Police ascertained the identity of the attackers with images recorded in a CCTV installed in the neighbourhood. Police have secured five persons in connection with the incident and further inquiries are under way.

For long, residents and members of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) held a series of pro-tests demanding the closure of the liquor shop which has been causing a big inconvenience to the public.

“Women, school students and the public feel unsafe while passing through the spot.  

Tipplers behave in an improper manner and indulge in abusive quarrels,” said R Venkataraman, a resident of Chellam Nagar and working in a textiles firm. The residents said that despite strong protests, the district administration has been making just empty promises about shutting the shop.

Meanwhile, senior Tasmac officials are inquiring with the staff over selling liquor to the public during non-operational hours in the morning. The shop should be open only from 12 noon to 10pm. 

When asked about this, Tirupur district manager Murugesan said 15 shops, including the one at Chellam Nagar, have been identified as causing inconvenience to the public. They all will be shifted soon, he said.