A day after Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman reportedly collected and consumed toddy from a palm tree during a protest in Periyathalai near Tiruchendur, the Thoothukudi police have launched an investigation into the act, which may have violated the state’s Prohibition Act.

The protest, jointly organised by NTK and the Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement, aimed to draw attention to the long-standing ban on toddy tapping in Tamil Nadu. Seeman, assisted by professional climbers, scaled a palm tree, collected the sap, and consumed it in public before offering it to others, openly challenging the ban.

Toddy tapping has been outlawed in the state under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act. Officials stated that if the liquid collected was indeed toddy, the act would amount to a legal violation.

Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police Albert John said a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine whether Seeman tapped toddy, an alcoholic beverage, or neera (also called padhaneer), a sweet, non-alcoholic sap. Since the demonstration was held on private land, further action will depend on the nature of the liquid and legal interpretations.