Over 100 residents of Avarampalayam in the city today squatted on the road demanding immediate closure of a TASMAC outlet in the area.

“The outlet is functioning near a bus stand and is very close to a temple, where a large number of people come,” the agitators said.

In spite of several complaints and petitions, the administration failed to respond. So we took to the streets, they said.

The protesters, including women, told police that they feared moving around in the area, especially in the evenings, as the crime rate has gone up in recent times.

Senior district and TASMAC officials rushed to the spot and pacified the agitators. They assured that they would initiate steps to shift the outlet or close it permanently. Following this the agitators dispersed.