A group of women along with some local youths ransacked an illegal hooch den in North Dinajpur on Sunday and blocked a road for an hour to protest the mushrooming of such outlets.

On Sunday morning, the women assembled with sticks and rods near the hooch den at Majhiali in Chopra block. Later, they entered the den and ransacked it. They also attacked the owner’s house.

“Because of such hooch dens, road accidents have increased in the area. Also, a section of women are becoming victims of domestic violence as their intoxicated husbands are assaulting them over trivial issues. Miscreants from nearby areas assemble at the den in the evening and cause nuisance,” said a woman who joined the protests.

The aggrieved women took out utensils and other items from the den and threw them on the road before setting them ablaze and blocking a local road that connects the villages. “We want the police to dismantle all such illegal dens that have come up in and around Majhiali. Or else, those running such dens will face consequences,” said another woman.

As the blockade continued, traffic movement along the road that also connects the India-Bangladesh border, came to a halt. After some time, a team from Chopra police station and some local Trinamool leaders reached the spot and assured the protesters of the necessary steps.

The blockade was withdrawn after an hour.