Chathurthi fest row triggers group clash in Chengelpattu

a group of dalits living near Muthumariamman temple bought a Vinayaka idol and placed it in their locality. As they were performing pujas, two men belonging to another community were passing by in their bicycles.

As people reportedly stood on the street obstructing the passage, the duo allegedly abused the crowd, leading to their being attacked. However, the two escaped from the spot, only to return with a gang, which allegedly went on a rampage attacking the dalits. A house and a few two-wheelers of both groups were set on fire and properties damaged.

Based on a complaint, police have arrested 13 men. They were subsequently produced before the Chengelpattu court and remanded in judicial custody. A heavy posse of police has been deployed in the village to keep the situation under control.

Police sources said that dalits in the area celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi every year, but this was the first time that it had turned into a communal clash.

The arrested men include R Vinayagam, S Santhoshkumar and B Purshothaman from Nallur, V Boopathy, A Kamaraj, K Muthukrishana, M Janakiraman, S Janarthanan, V Vedagiri, C Umapathy, D Maari, M Ramu from Natham and K Chakrapani from Kollaimedu.