2 die in clash during temple fest near Pattukkottai

In violence that broke out during a temple festival, two persons were killed and five others were injured near Pattukkottai on Monday.

According to sources, the annual Chithirai Festival of Sri Balasubramania Swamy Temple in Manjavayal village was being celebrated from April 18. 

On Monday, when the temple car was being pulled, a group belonging to a dominant community of the area, reportedly attacked members of another community, levelling eve-teasing charges against the latter. Those injured in the attack subsequently lodged a complaint with the police against the members of the dominant community. 

Later the same night, friends and relatives of the injured persons went to the temple and picked up an altercation with the members of dominant community. As the arguments intensified, violence broke out and both the groups attacked each other with deadly weapons. Two persons were killed and five persons, all belonging to the dominant community, sustained grievous injuries. 

While the victims were identified as S Pradeep (30) and B Sivanesan (18), the five injured, all relatives of Pradeep, were rushed to Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. Relatives of the deceased refused to receive the bodies, demanding the arrest of the culprits.  Collector, A Annadurai and senior police officers visited the spot. 

Based on a complaint, the Adirampattinam police have registered a case under various sections including 307 (attempt to murder), 302 (murder) against 11 persons, all belonging to the other community. Police said four of the 11 accused have been secured and further investigations are on. 

Police said there was a long running feud between members of the dominant community and those belonging to three intermediary castes over the use of a crematorium in the village. Cops suspect that the crematorium dispute could have triggered Monday’s violence.

Taking exception to the incident of a Dalit woman being prevented from entering a temple near here on Monday, Saminathan, president of the Puducherry Students Federation, urged the government to initiate action against those who practice casteism in temples. In a statement, Saminathan said the woman from Koonichampet had gone to the Droupathy Amman Temple at Mannadipet. But she was prevented from entering the temple. A video of the incident went viral on social media, he added. Saminathan demanded that Hindu religious institutions should advise temple trustees to allow members of all communities into the temple and action should be taken against those practising untouchability in any form.