Two groups clash over actor's flex banner

According to police, residents of Somandurai and Thenchitoor, which are located on either side of the road, were at loggerheads for several years. Tension between them exacerbated after one group damaged the banner put up by a rival group a month ago.

Though the identity of those behind the incident was captured by a CCTV camera fixed in the locality, police allegedly failed to initiate any action against the offenders. The two opposing groups had a heated altercation when they met each other in a hotel in the market area on Sunday evening. As other villagers intervened before the fight could escalate, the two factions left the spot vowing to cause trouble for the other. Subsequently, the two groups assembled in the market area and assaulted each other with bricks and logs.

On receiving information about the clash, the Valparai DSP Vivekanandan, Anaimlai Inspector (in-charge) Thangapandian and other cops rushed to the spot and sent five injured persons to the government hospitals in Kottur and Pollachi.

Superintendent of Police C Pandiarajan, Anaimalai Tahsildar Venkatachalam and revenue officials visited the spot and held peace talks with residents from both the villages. Police have so far arrested 23 people from both the groups in connection with the clash.