VILLUPURAM: While Seshasamudram village near Sankarapuram in the district is limping back to normalcy after the clash between Dalits and Vanniyars over a Mariamman temple car procession, a fire in a Vanniyar’s house created tension on Sunday, even as Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) cadre staged a road-roko, demanding action against those responsible for the caste clash.
The clash erupted when a group of Vanniyars set afire the temple car, which was scheduled to be taken out on a procession on Sunday.
On Sunday night, the hut of Ezhumalai, a Vanniyar, who was staying separately on a farmland near the village, caught fire.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel stationed in the village put the fire out.
According to Ezhumalai, rice sacks, gold jewels and cash kept in the house were reduced to ashes.
A local source said it was an accident and not an act of retaliation to the clash between the people belonging to the two different castes.
Sankarapuram police are inquiring further to find out whether someone deliberately torched the house or its owner Ezhumalai was trying to take advantage of the situation by enacting a drama.
Earlier, in the evening, over 1,000 VCK cadre led by party’s district secretary Sinthanaiselvan blocked the Tiruvannamalai Road at Sankarapuram, demanding stringent action against those behind the clash.
Police officials came to the spot and held peace talks with the protesters.
After protracted negotiations with the aggrieved parties, the protestors were convinced and they dispersed.
Meanwhile, not very far away from the riot-hit Seshasamudram, the district administration invoked section 144 in Pandiyankuppam village near Chinna Salem to prevent any untoward incidents similar to the Saturday ‘se clash that left several policemen and village assistants injured.
There were tense moments felt in Pandiyankuppam halet, located within a radius of 50 km, an argument broke out between Dalits and caste Hindus over a Mariamman temple car procession on Sunday and before it could degenerate into a clash, the police intervened. However, to avoid a repeat of Saturday’s incidents, the sub-collector imposed Section 144, until further orders.
Over 50 policemen from the armed forces and DSP Narayanasamy were deployed in the village on Monday morning.
The police officials have set up checkposts on roads, which connect Pandiyankuppam to other villages, to restrict entry of outsiders.
Vaiko Appeals for Peace
Chennai: MDMK leader Vaiko on Monday condemned the torching of the temple car and houses of Dalits at Seshasamudram and appealed to the people of both communities to live in harmony. He expressed shock over the violent incidents in the village torn apart by arsonists.