The protesting Dalits in Keelaurappanur village in Madurai allegedly pelted stones at policemen for allowing the caste Hindus to dissolve the mulaipaari (sprouted grains kept in pots) in the village tank as part of the temple festival on Wednesday.

About five policemen suffered minor injuries in the stone pelting. The problem began at the Vaddaku Vaiselvi temple in the village when the Dalits claimed that they were being discriminated by the caste Hindus during the rituals and for worship inside the temple. Later, the festival was stopped by policemen as the issue was not solved through talks, according to NIE report.

On Wednesday, caste-Hindus asked permission to dissolve mulaipaari in the village tank. The Dalits refused to join the rituals and the caste Hindus were allowed to carry out the rituals on two conditions that they won’t carry out procession or enter the temple. At first, Dalits did not protest but later started protesting.

When the policemen were trying to speak to the Dalits and sort out the issue, they pelted stones at the police. There was a road blockade and Superintendent of Police Vijendra Bidari’s car was also attacked during the protest. Later, the situation was brought under control by the police.