Liquor outlet torched in Tamil Nadu, salesman sustains burn injuries

Amid continuing protests against state-run liquor outlets, an alcoholic beverage retail store was torched here on Wednesday allegedly by three motorcycle-borne men, leaving the salesman of the shop injured. The man sustained burn injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, police said. 

A police official said that three men, who came on a motorcycle, sought some liquor brands from the salesman of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) outlet in T Nagar. "When he turned around to pick up the brands from the shelf, they poured petrol brought in a paint can and set fire to the shop," he said. 

While the three accused escaped, the shop was gutted partially after which the fire brigade personnel controlled the blaze. The incident, which happened during evening rush hour at a busy location, led to anxiety among people. "The identity of the miscreants are being established and we are confident of arresting them soon," the official said. "Rivalry in running a bar adjacent to the liquor store could not be ruled out," he said when asked about the probable motive.