Police in Karumathampatti have arrested a few persons in connection with the assault on one Ramesh Kumar after a rally in memory of a person murdered in 2000.

According to police, Ramesh had a quarrel with a few others after the rally at Sedapalayam in the outskirts of city on Friday.

Every year, friends and relatives of Sekudanthali Murugesan, a Dalit who was murdered in 2000 for allegedly sitting near an upper caste in a bus, take out a memorial rally in the city.

After the rally on Friday, a quarrel broke out within the group and Ramesh was assaulted and sustained head injuries. He was admitted to a private hospital here.

A section of the supporters took out a protest march and blocked traffic demanding arrest of those who assaulted Ramesh. Vehicle movement was affected for more than two hours.

Shops in Karumathampatti and Somanur remain closed today as a mark of protest and people are demanding arrest of the assaulters.

Police did not divulge details, but said a few arrests had been made and investigation was on.