Chennai: Every evening after 6.30 pm, Kesavan Street, 10th Cross Street, and VOC Market Road in R K Nagar turn into public drinking hotspots, leaving residents anxious about their safety. Around 15 to 20 men gather in the residential locality daily to consume alcohol after buying liquor from a Tasmac outlet located about 500 metres away on the main road.Residents said the nuisance has worsened in recent months, with drunk men creating a ruckus, picking fights with motorists and harassing women. More than 2,000 reside in the affected neighbourhood, while hundreds of office-goers and students use these roads daily. Residents said no effective steps were taken to curb the problem, despite repeatedly complaining to the police and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).Last Friday evening, Revathi, 27, an employee of a private school near Perambur, was buying groceries on Kesavan Street at 6.30pm when two drunk men approached her and asked her to buy them snacks. Frightened, she rushed home.Residents said such incidents have become routine, forcing many women to avoid walking alone after sunset. “As soon as the liquor shop opens, groups gather in the neighbourhood to drink in the open. They litter the streets and sometimes smash glass bottles on the road. It is unsafe for pedestrians,” said M Ramesh, a resident of R K Nagar.Dimly lit stretches in the locality are also being used for drug abuse, residents say. “Many youngsters, aged between 18 and 28, are using substances like methamphetamine and ganja. We have repeatedly requested the police and corporation to increase patrols and install CCTV cameras, but nothing has happened so far. Many residents are afraid to identify those involved because they fear retaliation,” he said.GCC commissioner G S Sameeran said the locality would be inspected and steps would be taken to install surveillance cameras. “Along with Greater Chennai police, we will organise drives to control the menace,” he said.Greater Chennai police commissioner A Amalraj said, “The locality will be inspected and necessary action will be taken to ensure regular patrolling in the area.” Residents said they hope the promised action will finally bring relief to the neighbourhood after months of unchecked nuisance.
