Women in a residential locality on Mangamuru Road launched a strong protest against the opening of a liquor shop in their area. They blocked the canal bund road leading to Samata Nagar and demanded that authorities cancel the outlet immediately. After the agitation intensified, the shop owner stopped the work and fled from the spot.
Secret Construction Raises Suspicion
Residents said workers had been carrying out construction for nearly a week. When women asked about the building’s purpose, workers claimed it was a general store. However, on Tuesday, they installed iron grills and placed racks meant for liquor bottles. At that point, locals realised a liquor shop was coming up in the middle of their neighbourhood.
Women Gather in Large Numbers
As soon as the truth came out, women from nearby houses gathered at the site. They ignored the afternoon heat and reached the location in large numbers. They raised slogans and demanded that the shop be shut down. Moreover, they removed materials from inside the shop and threw them onto the road.
Road Blockade on Canal Bund
The protest turned intense when women placed liquor racks across the road and staged a brief road blockade. Traffic on the canal bund road stopped for some time. The protesters made it clear that they would not allow a liquor shop to be located near their homes.
Police Intervention Sparks Tension
Police arrived at the spot to control the situation. However, the women questioned the officials and asked why permission was granted in a residential zone. They insisted that authorities withdraw the proposal without delay.
CPM Extends Support
The district secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) extended support to the agitation. He criticised the decision to allow a liquor outlet in a populated area. He also demanded that officials respect public opinion.
Although police assured the protesters that they would examine the issue, residents warned that they would continue their agitation if the shop reopened. The incident highlights growing public opposition to liquor outlets in residential neighbourhoods.
