Tamil Nadu: ‘Untouchability wall’ built to stop Dalits from entering upper caste areas was demolished after administrative intervention
While the Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar community members alleged that the wall was built to prevent them from entering the area inhabited by caste Hindus, the Thottiyan Nayakkar community members denied it, saying the wall was aimed at preventing unruly activities by ‘outsiders’ under the influence of alcohol.
Published on: 10 Aug 2025, 12:17 pm
Karur- A controversial wall built by the Thottiya Nayakar community (an intermediate caste) in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which was allegedly being called an ‘untouchability wall’ for the Dalit community, was demolished on Saturday in the presence of security forces. The wall was about 200 feet long and 10 feet high on government poramboke land in Muthuladampatti area of Karur.
While the Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar community members alleged that the wall was built to prevent them from entering the area inhabited by caste Hindus, the Thottiyan Nayakkar community members denied it, saying the wall was aimed at preventing unruly activities by ‘outsiders’ under the influence of alcohol.
Earlier, members of the same intermediate caste had blocked attempts by the Arunthathiyar community to erect a stage during the Sri Muthumariamman temple festival and construct toilets on poramboke land.
According to a report published in The Hindu, the Revenue Department had issued a notice to the leader of the Thottiya Nayakar community ‘Kothukarar’ a few days ago, ordering him to demolish the wall within 15 days as it was built on government land and no permission was taken for it. However, the representatives of the community refused to demolish the wall and reiterated their argument.
The matter had led to the risk of caste tension in the area, with the Revenue Department issuing another notice on Friday night ordering the Thottiya Nayakar community to remove the wall by 11 am on August 9. Hundreds of people from the community staged a sit-in outside the Collector’s office in protest, but returned after the officials took a tough stand.
Revenue and police officials led by Karur SP K. Josh Thangaiya reached the disputed site on Saturday morning. After this, the leaders of the intermediate caste decided to demolish the wall themselves and by afternoon the wall was removed. During this time the media was not allowed to take photographs.
M. Mohammed Baisal, Revenue Divisional Officer, Karur, told The Hindu that the wall has been completely demolished and its foundation will be removed by Sunday afternoon. Members of both communities have been appealed to cooperate in this work.
