THENI: Cases were booked against 45 people belonging to two communities in connection with the clashes at Allinagaram on Saturday.
An uneasy calm prevailed in the area with vehicles, including TNSTC buses, staying off roads. Abey Kumar Singh, IG-South Zone, is camping in Theni, and Mahesh, Superintendent of Police, and other police officials are monitoring the situation. Around 1,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.
Violence broke out when those participating in the funeral procession of All India Forward Bloc district secretary Tamilan raised objectionable slogans against another community while passing through Ambedkar Street. Angered by this, residents on the street hurled stones to retaliate.
As information spread, several persons from both the communities assembled at the spot with weapons and attacked each other.
Police resorted to lathicharge when stones were thrown at them on the Theni Main Road and even fired warning shots in the air following which the situation was brought under control. Subsequently, Prohibitory Orders under Section 144 of CrPC were promulgated in Theni.
Meanwhile, high security cover was given for the funeral of two persons, Raman and Malaisamy, who were part of Tamilan’s funeral procession and died in different mishaps on Saturday. Raman of Allinagaram fell from a moving tractor and was crushed under its wheels. Malaisamy of Pommaya Goundanpatti sustained severe head injuries when he slipped from his bike. He was rushed to government hospital where he died.
Allinagaram police registered a case regarding the two deaths. Autopsy was conducted on the two bodies at the GH after which they were cremated on Sunday.