Group clash after row over temple rights

According to sources, trouble started after two groups belonging to different communities staked claim for the Irangi Muthamman temple rights. 

During heated arguments that ensured, one of the groups objected to the closure of the temple gate. 

Despite opposition, people from the other community attempted to close the temple gate. The situation escalated and members of both the groups started hurling stones at each other in which several suffered injuries, sources added.

Arupukkottai Tahsildar P Chandrasekar said at least five persons were hurt and al the injured were sent to Arupukottai Government Hospital. Four two-wheelers were damaged and some miscreants also set fire to straw during the clash.

Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police M Rajarajan said that the situation at Thoppalakarai was brought under control with deployment of heavy police force. 

Explaining the reasons for the clash that happened at Thoppalakarai, he said, some portions of the patta land around the shrine with gated compound wall were being maintained by the Irangi Muthamman temple trust, which was being managed by members of five different castes. 

However, devotees had no access to the temple except through the patta land. Due to this there was long running dispute. Officials of the revenue department had already insisted to keep the temple gate open in the interest of devotees and in an effort to avoid conflict in the village.

Meanwhile, some trouble-mongers had spread a rumour that the temple gate has been closed, which led to the clash and subsequent tension in the area. 

A couple of two-wheelers were torched by unidentified persons. 

So far, 21 persons have been arrested by the Paralachi police. Several others, who were allegedly involved in the clash, have gone into hiding. A hunt is on to nab them, the SP said.