In pictures | Markets in Tamil Nadu see huge crowds ahead of complete lockdown

A motorist arguing with police personnel in Salem on Saturday, April 25. People in Salem ventured out after the State government extended timings of grocery shops till 3 p.m. on Saturday. (Source: E.Lakshmi Narayanan)

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced on April 24 that a complete lockdown would be imposed in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore Municipal Corporations to curb the spread of COVID-19, from 6 a.m. on April 26 to 9 p.m. on April 29; and in Salem and Tiruppur Municipal Corporations from 6 a.m. on April 26 to 9 p.m. on April 28.

The announcement triggered panic buying on Saturday, April 25, as people thronged market areas and grocery shops. Here are some pictures of the frenzy.

The Koyambedu vegetable and fruit market was packed with customers on April 25, Saturday, as people rushed to stock up essentials ahead of the 4-day-long lockdown. (Source: M. Vedhan)

The Koyambedu vegetable and fruit market was packed with customers on April 25, Saturday, as people rushed to stock up essentials ahead of the 4-day long lockdown. (Source: M. Vedhan)

The Thiruvanmiyur-ECR market also saw huge crowds, with social distancing norms being flouted widely. (Source: M. Karunakaran)

People throng a temporary vegetable market at the corporation play ground in Chinthadripet. (Source: R. Ragu)

Milk sold out at an Aavin milk booth in Anna Nagar. (Source: K. Pichumani)

Swiggy's delivery personnel waiting at a vegetable shop in Mogappair West. (Source: M. Vedhan)

A vendor in Triplicane has managed to sell all her produce. (Source: K.V. Srinivasan)

A packed meat and fish market at Bell School grounds in Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, on Saturday. (Source: A. SHAIKMOHIDEEN)

People waiting in a queue to buy vegetables from a van at Thirumangalam. (Source: K. Pichumani)

People flout social distancing guidelines as they visit Triplicane market to buy fruits and vegetables. (Source: S. R. Raghunathan)