Dalits, caste Hindus clash over Vinayagar procession in Natham

MADURAI: Tension ensued as a dispute arose between Dalits and caste Hindus when the former attempted to take a Vinayagar idol in procession near a village temple in Natham on Friday evening.

Members of the Dalit community and caste Hindus have been celebrating Vinayagar Chaturthi separately. Normally, Dalits do not take the idol in procession near the temple. However, this year, they took the Vinayagar idol in procession close to the temple, which the members of the other community opposed. The clash led to tension in the region.

Madurai Superintendent of Police N Devanathan rushed to the spot and held talks with the villagers.