Tension prevailed at Neeramani Village near Veppur in Cuddalore on Friday after dalits were not allowed entry into a temple by caste Hindus when the temple festival was on. This led to prolonged arguments between the two.
Police said the festival at the Mariamman Temple in the village was being celebrated for the past eight days. The Kumbhabishekam was performed six months ago following which, the ten-day festival was being held.
Police, on Friday, said dalit villagers wanted to enter the temple to offer prayers but the caste Hindus opposed them stating that it was customary they should not enter during festival. This led to arguments between the two groups.
Before things went out of hand, police intervened and explained to the caste Hindus that everyone had equal rights to enter into the temple. However, the caste Hindus stuck to their stand. The police then provided protection to the dalits so that they could enter the temple and offer prayers.
In reaction, the caste hindus stopped the temple car pulling ritual and Theemithi ADSP Ramakrishnan, DSP Vanith and inspector Selvam conducted inquiries.