Chennai: The Greater Chennai police took 19 persons into custody for vandalising a supermarket on Greams Road, Thousand lights.
Videos have gone viral on social media showing men in white shirts entering the shop and creating havoc. It is said they did this over payment of shop’s rent.
They allegedly took items worth Rs 15 lakh from the shop and assaulted its manager.
The manager, Kuthbudhin (55) is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the shop owner Shanawaz and the land lord Shafeeka Rafai were having dispute over the payment of rent and there is a case pending at court.
With the shop owner issuing threats, the tussel got out of hand. Police have named Shafeeka in case.
Police said 19 persons have been arrested including some BJP functionaries. The gang also included advocates.
Assistant Commissioner Muthuvelpandi visited the spot.