Tamil Nadu boozers throng liquor shops in border mandals

Nellore: Even as last rites were being conducted in Chennai city to the departed DMK Chief M Karunanidhi, liquor shops were closed in the state and thousands of boozers thronged border mandals of Andhra Pradesh such as Tada and Sullurpet on Wednesday and the stations packed up with people at railway stations and bus stands.

Due to sudden demise of DMK top leader, the state government decided to close business establishments, theatres and liquor shops on Wednesday and also last rites in the evening planning to prevent any unwanted situation.

Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited has directed all liquor shops and bars in its jurisdiction to remain closed today. Not only liquor shops, theatres and multiplexes also cancelled all shows to be screened on Wednesday and have refunded money to the customers. This made boozers panic and rushed to the border mandals of Nellore since morning for liquor.

So, buses and trains were packed with people and the liquor shops also failed to supply adequate stocks to the customers from Tamil Nadu. Some shops have collected abnormal rates from the consumers taking the advantage of demand.

It was around Rs 40-50 on each bottle basing on the demand from people. Even though, Excise officials were aware of the activity they kept mum on the development since morning. The situation was prevalent in Tada mandal which is close to Chennai city.