Tension prevailed at Keezhvelur near Nagapattinam on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) after a storage room near a State-run TASMAC outlet caught fire suddenly, damaging cardboard cartons and empty liquor bottles stored on the premises.

According to the police, the incident occurred near TASMAC shop number 643, at Vadakkuveli in Keezhvelur. An adjoining room used for storing cardboard cartons and empty liquor bottles was functioning near the liquor retail outlet in the same building. Fire reportedly broke out in the storage room, leading to thick smoke emanating from the premises.

Passers-by who noticed smoke and flames alerted the Keezhvelur police station. Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the spot and prevented the blaze from spreading further.

The police said the fire was brought under control before it could spread to the room where liquor bottles were stocked, thereby averting major damage.

A case has been registered based on a complaint from TASMAC employees, and the police are investigating whether unidentified persons had set fire to the storage room or whether the blaze was accidental.

The incident has drawn attention, as local residents and women had staged protests in recent weeks demanding the removal of the liquor outlet, alleging inconvenience to the public. During talks led by Keezhvelur Tahsildar Vedhaiyan, officials had reportedly assured residents that steps would be taken to shift the shop within 30 days and that it would remain closed until then. However, the outlet resumed functioning the following day.

Further investigation is under way.