A large number of people who gathered at a cooperative store opposite the Central police station in Thoothukudi on Thursday to purchase the Rs 200 grocery package announced by the Tamil Nadu government for Deepavali returned disappointed as tokens ran out.
The government had announced that a package of essential grocery items would be distributed through cooperative stores for Rs 200 as part of Deepavali.
However, inadequate stocks and delays in packing the items reportedly restricted
distribution to just 200 people.
The staff informed the waiting public that the stock had been exhausted and asked them to return the next day.
Disappointed after waiting in long queues since early morning without receiving the promised groceries, several people refused to disperse and entered into arguments with cooperative store staff.
Police personnel later intervened and held talks with them, following which the crowd dispersed after being asked to return on Friday.