Tasmac outlet near Vaniyambadi closed after prolonged struggle

Residents say the outlet is surrounded by a few local temples, a government high school and a health centre.

An outlet of Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) at Vijayapuram village, about 12 km from Vaniyambadi town in Tirupattur, brought an end on Sunday to the residents’ struggle that had been ongoing since the outlet was established in 2012.

Residents said that the outlet is located on Vaniyambadi-Alangayam Main Road where commuters from at least 12 surrounding farming villages have to board long distance buses to Jolarpet, Tirupattur, Ambur, Krishnagiri, Vellore and Kancheepuram. Also, the outlet is surrounded by a few local temples, a government high school and a health centre.

Residents said that there were several incidents in the village recently where inebriated persons were caught attacking innocent residents. Many times, people were found lying on the carriageway of the stretch in an inebriated state, affecting traffic movement on the route. They also engage in petty fights with other residents of the village.

Tasmac officials said that the outlet was relocated to an isolated building in Kodiyur village near Tirupattur town. “After years of struggle, the Tasmac outlet has been permanently shut down in the village. We will also keep a vigil that the outlet is not reopened again,” said G. Suganthi, a resident.