A minor vehicle accident during the Gangai Amman temple festival in Katharikuppam on Wednesday evening escalated into a violent altercation, prompting police to register counter-cases, including one under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
According to police sources, the incident occurred when the driver of a car carrying Madiyapattu panchayat president Kavitha, a Scheduled Caste DMK functionary, allegedly rammed into another vehicle while reversing. The other car belonged to a local resident, Manavalan (45), who was attending the festival as a guest.
An argument ensued between Kavitha’s husband Madhukumar (40), the driver Vijayakumar, and Manavalan’s group, which included his wife Shalini and acquaintances Tamilvendan and Ilavarasi. The group allegedly pelted stones at Kavitha’s car, shattering the front and rear windows. Both Vijayakumar and Manavalan sustained injuries and were admitted to Vellore Government Hospital for treatment, sources said.
Based on a complaint filed by Madhukumar, Veppangupam police booked seven individuals under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act. Those named in the FIR include Manavalan, Shalini, Tamilvendan, and others.
Meanwhile, acting on a counter-complaint by Manavalan, police registered a separate case against driver Vijayakumar under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for alleged rash and negligent driving. No arrests have been made in the counter-case so far.
Speaking to TNIE, panchayat president Kavitha stated, “We had no previous enmity with them. This was purely driven by caste prejudice. They verbally abused us in derogatory terms. It is the first time we are facing such violence, and they must be brought to justice.”
Sources added that the individuals named in the counter-complaint are associated with the AIADMK.