Bhadohi, March 6: A shopkeeper was arrested here on Monday for disturbing public peace when a large crowd started gathering at his shop after he announced a scheme offering two free beer cans if they purchased a smartphone, police said.

The shop of the accused has been sealed, they said. Station House Officer, Kotwali police station, Ajay Kumar Seth, said Rajesh Maurya, who runs a mobile phone shop at Chauri Road, publicised through posters, pamphlets and announcements that he will give two cans of beer free to anyone who buys an Android smartphone from his shop between March 3 and 7.

As word about the scheme spread, customers started pouring into his shop. Taking serious cognisance of the matter, Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar directed that strict action be initiated against him, he said.  Liquor Sale in Maharashtra: State Excise Department Plans To Relaunch Home Delivery of Alcohol, Revenue Expected To Rise by 1%.

In the evening, police dispersed the crowd which had gathered at the shop and arrested Maurya under Section 151 (disturbing public peace) of the Indian Penal Code. His shop has also been sealed, the police said.