Two groups clash over temple steps construction

A total of nine persons from both groups sustained injuries in the clash. The police have registered a case against 69 persons and arrested 10 persons from both groups. 

Police said, a few months ago, the Hindus in the village, backed by the Hindu Munnani, had planned to construct a wall and steps as part of renovating the Ranganatha Perumal Temple. 

However, the Muslims in the village objected it saying that as per the plan, the new steps would have to be constructed on public road. When the matter was taken to the Revenue department, the officials stopped construction of the steps. 

On Sunday, the Hindus arranged a meeting and proceeded to construct the steps. On seeing this, the Muslims intervened and the two groups held a talk to sort out the issue. 

Eve as the talks were going on, some miscreants pelted stones and this resulted in a clash between the two groups. A total of nine persons from both sides sustained injuries. They were taken to the Government Tirunelveli Hospital. Chairs, bikes and other public properties were also damaged. 

The village remained tense even on Monday and over 200 police officers have been posted in the village to avoid any untoward incidents. Thoothukudi SP Ashwin Kotnis came to the spot and held inquiries. 

The police have booked a cases against 69 persons involved in the clash and arrested 20 people, 10 from each community.