Dalits attacked in Dharmapuri after girl goes missing

According to sources, Priyanka a 20-year-old girl residing at Nallampalli went to the college in neighbouring Namakkal district on Friday, but did not return home. The girl was reportedly in a relationship with a Dalit youth residing close to her village. Subsequently, the parents of the girl lodged a complaint alleging that she had been abducted by a Dalit youth identified as M Raj Kumar (22), who hailed from a nearby area, at the Athiyamankottai police station.

As initial inquiries revealed that the girl had gone with Raj Kumar, police registered a case of kidnap against the youth. Police sources felt that the two would have got married.

Meanwhile, Priyanka’s brother, Vijayan (23), who was upset over the developments, along with his relative M Aravind, went to the youth’s locality and assaulted three persons, including two women, all relatives of Raj Kumar. The victims, who were injured in the assault, were admitted to Dharmapuri Government Medical College and Hospital.

Infuriated by this, a group of Dalits planned a retaliatory attack; However, cops, who learnt about their plan, foiled their attempt and seized around 30 petrol bombs from them.

Police have registered cases against Vijayan and Aravind for the assault. The Dalits have also been booked for possessing petrol bombs with a plan to attack the other group.

A large posse of police has been deployed at Nallampalli village as a precautionary measure and to prevent any untoward incident. “We acted based on intelligence inputs over mounting tension in the village.

Talks were held between members of two groups and all efforts are being made to maintain calm and peace in the area. A search is also on to trace the girl,” said DSP T Gandhi.

It may be recalled that in 2012, the marriage of Vanniyar girl Divya to Dalit youth Ilavarasan triggered massive caste clashes and several houses of Dalits were set ablaze in Natham Colony in the district.