Tamil Nadu: Thevar Community Members Attacked With Stones, 5 Arrested As Video Surfaces

Five people were detained, according to Madurai SP Shiva Prasad.

Stone pelting on members of Thevar community.

Source : X/@ANI

Stone pelting was reported on members of the Thevar community as they returned after celebrating Thevar Jayanti at Thangalacheri village, Madurai district on October 30, news agency ANI reported. Two persons were wounded and taken to a government hospital for treatment. The police have also opened an investigation and have filed a case. Five people were detained, according to Madurai SP Shiva Prasad.

Madurai SP Shiva Prasad told ANI: "Case registered and five people have been arrested."

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Incident of stone pelting on members of Thevar community was reported while they were returning after celebrating Thevar Jayanti in Thangalacheri village of Madurai district on 30th October. Two people were injured and admitted to government hospital for… pic.twitter.com/kD4Z1IRM0J

— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2023

Importance Of Thevar Community For Tamil Nadu Politicians

Earlier on Monday, political parties went to Pasumpon hamlet, about 600 km from Chennai, on the 116th birth anniversary of Muthuramalinga Thevar, the Thevar community's idol, independence warrior, and spiritual leader.

Historically known as AIADMK supporters, the dynamics shifted after the AIADMK's Edapadi Palaniswami administration implemented a 10.5% internal reservation for the Vanniyar group inside the most backward classes quota.

This quota to assist the Vanniars, who are strong in the northern region of Tamil Nadu, enraged the Thevars, leading to dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the AIADMK.

The AIADMK suffered a blow in these regions in the 2021 assembly elections, as the DMK surged to power. With the expulsion of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam from the AIADMK, there is additional rift, and other parties, including the governing DMK, are attempting to bring them into their fold.

Earlier on Monday, while paying respects in Pasumpon with several of his cabinet colleagues, Chief Minister and DMK Chief MK Stalin recalled DMK governments' efforts over the years to commemorate Muthuramalinga Thevar and his legacy.

On the other hand, the support of the thevar community is critical for the AIADMK, which was defeated in the 2019 and 2021 elections.