The Revenue Department officials led by Kulithalai RDO Pushpa sealed a temple in Karur after Caste Hindus prevented Dalits from entering the premises. The sealing Kaliyamman temple at Veeranmpatti in Karur is the second such incident reported in the state due to caste oppression.
Two days ago, Villupuram district administration sealed a temple at Melpathi village after caste Hindus refused to permit Dalits into the temple.
According to a report on The New Indian Express, while Vaikasi festival was ongoing in the village the caste Hindus denied entry to the temple for Dalits. On Wednesday, after a Dalit youth entered the temple he was pushed out by the caste Hindus. This resulted in a clash between the two groups.
The district administration including Karur ADSP Mohan held talks with the people but it did not pay any heed. Once again, caste Hindus stopped Dalits from entering the temple on Thursday.
Both the community members once again staged a protest outside the temple. Following this, Kulithalai RDO Pushpa Devi held talks with both groups yet they did not reach any reconciliation.
As a result, she ordered them to seal the temple.
Earlier, Villuppuram District Revenue Commissioner Ravichandran ordered to seal Dharmaraja Draupadi Amman Temple at Melpathi village over the issue between dominant caste members and Dalits, regarding entry to the temple.
An official notice pasted on the gates of the temple, as per ANI read, "Extraordinary situations prevail in the village because of the problem between two sections, over worshipping. This gives chances for law and order issues. Considering this, till a conclusion is attained, both sections are not allowed inside the temple".
The decision was also taken after peace talks failed between the two groups.