Members belonging to the Dalit community today attempted to besiege the District Collectorate claiming that drinking water and ration supply was being blocked by the upper caste Hindus following an incident during Ganesh Chathurthi celebrations. The members were arrested.

They also claimed that the caste Hindus were allegedly preventing their children from entering the schools and abusing them physically. Over 30 residents of Bharathi Nagar near Periyathadagam, staged a protest demanding the arrest of those who involved in the attack.

“We are being abused both verbally and physically despite the police efforts in bringing truce between the two communities. Yet, no action has taken against them,” said a resident.

The incident happened when the Dalit community members reportedly celebrated Ganesh Chathurthi in their own area and refused to play the drum during he procession carried out by the caste Hindus.

A case has been registered with the Thudiyalur police against 17 members. No arrests have been made so far in this connection.