CPI, civil society demand shutting down of restobars

DMK leader Siva slams excise and police departments for failing to perform their duty

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Puducherry

In the wake of the recent murder of a college student at a restobar in Puducherry, Leader of the Opposition R Siva has squarely blamed Chief Minister N Rangasamy and Home Minister A Namassivayam for the deteriorating law and order situation in the Union Territory.

In a strongly worded press statement, the DMK leader said both the Excise and Police Departments had failed in their duties, leading to the tragic incident.

R Siva accused the government of encouraging unchecked proliferation of restobars under the guise of tourism promotion, without adequate monitoring or regulatory oversight.

"Restobars have mushroomed like a plague, and the government has completely failed to ensure they comply with basic norms set by the Excise Department," he said.