News Tamil Nadu

Dravidian Model TASMAC Scam: Customers Fleeced Extra Money

March 20, 2025
The Commune

Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding TASMAC following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) allegations of financial irregularities—where ₹1,000 crore was allegedly siphoned off in collusion with bottle manufacturers through inflated costs and fraudulent purchases—TASMAC salesmen continue to overcharge customers, demanding an extra ₹10 to ₹40 beyond the maximum retail price (MRP).

In a recent incident, a man named Kalaiselvan visited a TASMAC outlet in Bhuvanagiri, Cuddalore district to purchase liquor. When he asked for a receipt for his purchase and questioned the additional ₹10 charge, the shopkeeper responded in a threatening manner, claiming, “Doesn’t the collector, DSP, SP, and Minister know about collecting ₹10? Who doesn’t know it? You are creating a scene and asking for a bill? Creating a problem; I’ll show you what I can do.” Kalaiselvan recorded the exchange on his phone and shared it on social media.

Following the viral video, the TASMAC salesman, identified as Veeramani, was suspended for overcharging customers.

Earlier, another TASMAC salesman was suspended by the prohibition and excise department after a video surfaced showing him demanding extra money from a customer. The video showed a heated argument at TASMAC shop, where the salesman allegedly charged ₹40 more than the printed MRP of ₹200 for a quarter bottle. When the customer asked for a bill for ₹240, the salesman refused, stating that TASMAC had not yet implemented a billing system.

In response to the incident, senior BJP leader and state coordinating committee convenor took to social media to question, “The price of the bottle is ₹200, but should pay ₹240? Those who used to charge ₹10 extra per bottle are now demanding ₹40 more. If the additional collection of Rs. 40 per bottle is calculated as Rs. 40 for every bottle sold per day across Tamil Nadu, how many crores of additional amount will be generated from that alone? How many crores generated in a month? In a year?  And to whom is this amount going?”

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