Tamil Nadu: Why did the Dalit settlement wreak havoc during the temple festival, what was the reason?
Upper castes pelted stones at the houses of Dalits, also broke 35 vehicles.
Published on: Jun 5, 2023 at 3:28 pm
Tamil Nadu. A festival that has been going on for almost two weeks in Madurai district turned into an ethnic conflict on the evening of June 2. During this there was a fight between two groups. It is alleged that upper caste youths ransacked the houses of Dalits. Stones were pelted at people’s houses, and around 35 two-wheelers parked outside their houses were also damaged. Heavy police force had to be deployed due to the tension that developed after the incident.
Learn about the case in detail?
Festivities have been going on for almost two weeks at Thirumahur Kalamegaperumal Temple in Othakadai area of Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. According to the information, the organizers of the festival had organized ‘Adal-Padal’ cultural program on June 2. During the program, a fight broke out between the Dalit community and upper caste youths regarding untouchability. During this, the organizers present on the spot acted as a mediator between the two groups and till that time the dispute ended. The program ended peacefully in the late evening.
According to information, some upper caste youths reached near the Nondi Shami temple after drinking alcohol. This street has houses of Dalit community people. The youths started vandalizing two-wheelers parked outside the houses of Dalits. The youth also pelted stones at houses, in which many people were injured. Hearing the sound of vandalism, the permanent residents came out of the house and there was a dispute between the two sides. During this, the upper castes called more people and fiercely beat up the Dalits and broke 35 of their two-wheelers. During this, about 4 Dalits have suffered serious injuries.
After getting the information of the incident, the police reached and detained many people. Sent the injured to the hospital. 4 people have got serious injuries, they are undergoing treatment in the hospital. Police has registered a case against 22 people named under the SC/ST Act in this case. On May 3, the police also arrested 12 accused.
Madurai SP R Siva Prasad said, “Police reached the area, but it took some time to bring the situation under control as there was a huge crowd. Twelve people were arrested in this connection and booked under the SC/ST Act.” A case has been registered against about two dozen people.”
