Chennai: Spirited campaign by residents of Padur on Old Mahabalipuram Road and Deccan Chronicle against presence of a Tasmac shop in their locality has finally resulted in what they have been wanting for. Kancheepuram district collector P. Ponniah on Monday ordered closure of the shop following protests by residents for the last one month during which the district police manhandled villagers.
From day one, Deccan Chronicle has been giving in-depth coverage to protests and alleged human rights violation by the police. The Tasmac shop had become an eye of a storm due to its presence near a women’s public toilet and a water pump.
On April 14, residents of Padur had ransacked the liquor shop, causing the loss of Rs 1.6 lakh to Tasmac managers. Kelambakkam police officers, who had registered the case on 140 people, indulged in human rights violation by using abusive words on women and visiting their residences during the late hours.
The anti-Tasmac revolt in Padur also saw the involvement of children, which had shaken the Kancheepuram district administration. Led by a seven-year-old activist A. Aakash, a group of children had met the Kancheepuram district collector twice and requested closure of shop.
The children were also involved in studying protest where in a team of 60 people studied in front of the Tasmac shop raising slogans – ‘Kudiye Vidu, Padike Vidu’
Their consistent fight saw success on Monday, with the district collector ordering the revenue officials to close the Tasmac shop. Thanking the press for giving a wide coverage on the issue, Kancheepuram collector, P. Ponniah said, “Children are capable of bringing change. It was the protest of the children that brought the positive change.”
“I am very happy. I am thankful to everyone. We wont have any problems in our village now,” said A Aakash, in a broken English. Meanwhile, Kelambakkam Inspector who was allegedly involved in human rights violation in Padur stir told DC, “Of the 140 accused, only 27 are out on the bail. It is mandatory that we arrest the rest of them.
