In yet another faceoff between members of a Dalit community and another caste, 16 members of the Dalit community were injured when a mob attacked them following a quarrel during Pongal celebrations, reports The Hindu.
According to reports, at least two dozen houses were damaged, two huts set on fire and few vehicles damaged at Kuruvithurai near Sholavandan.
The Hindu reports,
The police said that while the Dalits were celebrating at Kuruvithurai, three persons, said to be under intoxication, from the nearby area picked up quarrel with the Dalit people.
Having taken the trouble mongers under their captivity, the villagers called the village leaders, who let them go. Meanwhile, the police was informed about the incident.
However, soon youths from the other side rushed to the Dalits’ hamlet with weapons and went on a rampage, Revenue Divisional Officer G. Senthilkumari, who inspected the spot, said. They also pelted stone on them.
Police officials have been standing guard at the village since the clashes broke out, with Superintendent of Police Vijayendra Bidari also camping at the village. The police are on the look-out for the perpetrators of the crime.