Clash over denial of entry to Dalits; District Revenue Commissioner seals temple in Tamil Nadu 

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu revenue officials sealed the Dharmaraja Draupadi Amman temple in Melpathi village of Villupuram district on Wednesday. The revenue officials took action after a clash broke out in the region after Dalits were denied entry to the temple. Villupuram District Revenue Commissioner S Ravichandran ordered the sealing of the temple when the dispute escalated into conflict.

The authorities have decided to keep the temple closed until an agreement is reached which is acceptable to both groups. The Revenue Commission said the conflict over the Amman temple is causing law and order problems in Melpathi village located in Vikravandi taluk of Villupuram district. The clash took place on April 7th.

During the annual festival of the temple, three Dalit youths tried to enter and pray when they were attacked by the upper castes. This incident led to law and order issues not only within the village but also in nearby areas. Dalits staged protests and blockaded roads, claiming worship was their fundamental right.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Viluppuram District Revenue Commissioner Ravichandran orders 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… pic.twitter.com/HxXSXHlBU9

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023