Mathura (UP), April 8 Nine people, including women, were arrested and taken into custody for allegedly vandalizing a liquor shop here while protesting its opening, police said on Wednesday.
According to police, the incident took place on Monday in Bharatia village, under the jurisdiction of the Baldev police station, where a government-approved composite liquor shop had recently been opened.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Mahavan Circle) Shweta Verma said that a large number of villagers, including women, gathered and stormed the shop in protest. They allegedly forced the closure of the outlet and created a commotion for several hours.
The protesters allegedly entered the shop, damaged several liquor bottles, and also broke the CCTV camera installed on the premises, police said.
Following a complaint lodged by the shop operator, police registered a case and arrested nine people – five men identified as Shyamveer, Satto, Rishipal, Vijendra, and Vikas, and four women. They were produced before a magistrate and sent to jail, Station House Officer Pushpendra Singh said.
Police are examining CCTV footage and video recordings of the incident to identify other individuals involved in the alleged vandalism, and further arrests are likely, officials said.
Meanwhile, villagers alleged that the opening of the liquor shop has adversely affected the social environment of the village.
They claimed that young people are increasingly spending time at the outlet and neglecting their work, and demanded that the shop be relocated.