Dalits allege temple entry denial in Karur village, stage protest

Trichy: Tension gripped P Kadambankurichi village in Karur district after members of a Scheduled Caste community alleged they were denied entry into a Mariamman temple during its annual festival.Residents said members of the Devendrakula Vellalar community were prevented from entering the temple when festivities began earlier this week. Condemning the alleged caste discrimination, villagers staged a sit-in protest on Sunday night, demanding action from the district administration. Protesters alleged that denial of entry by members of the dominant Gounder community to a public place of worship violated their fundamental rights. "We want justice. The administration must intervene and ensure equal access to the temple," a resident said. Police from Vangal intervened and held talks with both groups, persuading the protesters to withdraw the agitation temporarily. With no resolution reached, the affected residents gathered at the police station on Monday to lodge a formal complaint. A delegation also submitted a petition to the Karur district collector, seeking action against those responsible and measures to prevent recurrence. Officials said efforts were on to broker peace and maintain law and order during the festival. Further inquiry is underway.