Two persons, including a 17-year-old boy, were being questioned by the police for allegedly assaulting a TASMAC employee at a liquor outlet in Soolai in Erode on Tuesday night (May 19, 2026).

According to the police, Sokkamuthu, 50, of Narayanavalasu, employed as a salesman at the outlet, was on duty when the incident occurred. More than 30 customers were standing in a queue to purchase liquor. Police said a separate queue had been arranged for the return of empty liquor bottles.

A 17-year-old boy and a 21-year-old youth allegedly entered through that queue and asked customers standing in line to purchase liquor for them after giving them money.

When Sokkamuthu advised the duo to stand in the regular queue and buy liquor themselves, an argument broke out. During the altercation, the two allegedly assaulted Sokkamuthu, creating tension at the outlet. Other customers intervened and separated them, while the youth accompanying the minor was held at the spot. On receiving information, Erode North police rushed to the outlet and detained the duo for inquiry. Sokkamuthu, who sustained injuries in the assault, was admitted to the Government District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. TASMAC employees condemned the attack and urged the authorities to take stringent action against those involved.