Protest after houses of Dalits ransacked in Tiruchy

According to sources, those belonging to the dominant caste from Athavathur, a nearby village, released a few bulls on Tuesday as part of Pongal day celebrations. The bulls ran amok in Eniyanur, which is a Dalit residential area. However, a few caste Hindus took offence after Dalit youngsters attempted to tame the bulls.

Subsequently, around a group of 20 people ransacked several houses in Eniyanur. They also damaged the Mariamman temple in the village and then fled the spot.

The affected residents approached the Somarasampettai police and lodged a complaint. However, they claimed that the police made an unnecessary delay while registering the case.

Upset over this, the Dalits from Eniyanur gathered at Rettaivaikal near Somarasampettai on Wednesday and blocked the movement of vehicles. On receiving information, the Jeeyapuram DSP rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters. Upon being assured by the DSP that appropriate action would be taken in the case, they dispersed the spot.

Later in the evening, the police booked 19 people from the dominant caste under various sections, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Meanwhile, three persons from both the sides were admitted in the Tiruchy GH for treatment.