Panaji, Jan 14 (IANS): Three policemen were thrashed by seven men in a drunken state at Cuncolim village in South Goa on Tuesday, an official said.

In this regard, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that assault on the police will not be tolerated and promised a severe crackdown on drinking in public places at night.

According to the Superintendent of Police (South Goa) Arvind Gawas, the two accused have been arrested, while five others have taken shelter in nearby forest areas.

"These boys were partying and drinking alcohol when the police control room received a complaint about them. When our personnel reached the spot and asked them to leave, they refused. While they were being rounded up to be taken to the police vans they started attacking the policemen," Gawas said.

The official also said that the three policemen who were injured, were taken to a local hospital for treatment and have been discharged.

"None of the policemen were seriously injured," Gawas said, adding that the police were tracking down the missing accused persons.

Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the ban on drinking in public, which is already in place, will be enforced in an even more strict manner.

"We will strictly (ban) drinking of alcohol outdoors. It is in place anyway... Two have been arrested, the rest will be nabbed. The government will never tolerate something like this, whoever they may be, even if they are Goan. We will not tolerate assault on the police," Sawant told reporters in Panaji.