Caste Clash Leaves 5 Hurt in Cuddalore

Cops unsure of what triggered the fight that spread to other regions; security cover tightened to keep tempers from flaring again
Caste Clash Leaves 5 Hurt in Cuddalore

CUDDALORE: Tension gripped Cuddalore on Sunday evening after clashes broke out between Dalits and caste Hindus in different parts of the town even as police expressed inability and sought time to find the exact cause of the skirmishes that landed five persons in hospital and damaged a few vehicles.

A strong posse of police was deployed in the areas as the situation remained tense till night.

The clash erupted near a liquor shop when a Dalit from Panangkattu Colony near Unnamalaichetti Chavadi went to Soriyangkuppam in Puducherry limits to have liquor in the morning and got into a brawl with caste Hindus who allegedly beat him up.

Meanwhile, a few caste Hindus from Unnamalaichetti Chavadi were going to  Panangkattu Colony on motorbikes when they were reportedly beaten up by Dalit in that area. Two motorbikes were damaged in this.

Following this, some caste Hindus rushed to a community hall where the wedding reception of a Dalit couple, Manikandan and Poomalini, was on and attacked people in the hall.

Yegambaram, father of the bride Poomalini, and their relative Arul were injured in the attack. A small pandal in front of the hall was burnt.

Vegetables, cooking vessels and chairs in the hall were also damaged in the attack.

After the reception, posters on the wedding were smeared with cow dung allegedly by the caste Hindus.

Ganesan, a caste Hindu, who went to the colony on his motorbike, was allegedly beaten up. Police said that Ganesan’s motorbike and another motorcycle were damaged. One person was  injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, caste Hindus blocked the main road, demanding the police to arrest the Dalits, who were involved in the clash.

“A lorry that was going down the road during the clash was pelted with stones, in which the driver was injured,” said the police.

When asked about the incident, Cuddalore DSP Ramamurthy said, “We cannot say what exactly has led to this clash. We are investigating now. Both the groups are have their own versions. Only after the completion of our investigation can we determine the actual reason for the clash.”

Cuddalore SP A Radhika rushed to the spot and held an inquiry. Later, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Sharmila also went to the spot to hold an inquiry.

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