Chennai, India – A member of the UK's Royal Navy caused a public disturbance on Sunday after becoming intoxicated outside a popular mall in the Royapettah neighborhood of Chennai. The sailor, identified as J.L. Willis, was part of a crew stationed in the city for maintenance work on Royal Navy vessels.
Willis and approximately 24 other crew members reportedly visited the Royapettah mall on Sunday afternoon. However, Willis allegedly became disruptive after consuming alcohol, creating a scene outside the mall. A widely shared social media video depicts Willis acting aggressively, including lunging at a biker and attempting to bite him. Police officers present on the scene intervened and separated the sailor from the biker.
Authorities questioned Willis at the scene before his colleagues arrived. Chennai police ultimately decided against pressing charges and allowed Willis to leave with his fellow sailors.
While Willis may have avoided legal trouble in Chennai, his actions could lead to disciplinary action within the Royal Navy. Military personnel are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, and public intoxication or disorderly behavior can carry significant consequences. It is anticipated that his superiors will investigate the incident.