Nagapattinam, Aug 26: Tension prevailed in Vedaranyam and surrounding areas in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu as clashes erupted between casteist Hindus and dalits following attack on a lower caste man last evening.
The clash broke out at around when a Dalit man, Ramachandran, was found in front of a parked SUV, screaming from grievous injury on his leg.
The suspect, named Pandiyan, a functionary of a dominant caste-based outfit, allegedly injured Ramachandran, quickly got out of the SUV and ran into Vedaranyam police Station to seek refuge but was soon recognised by Ramachandran’s supporters.
Pandemonium broke loose in minutes when news spread that Pandiyan had hacked Ramachandran over the previous enmity. Ramachandran was rushed to the nearby, Vedaranyam government hospital.
His friends and supporters gathered in front of Vedaranyam police station and demanded that Pandiyan be sent out.
The station was understaffed to control the growing mob due to bandobast in Velankanni.
The audacious mob bludgeoned Pandiyan’s SUV for more than 15 minutes, before torching the vehicle.
The fumes engulfed the area including the Vedaranyam bus stand and the police station but were soon doused by fire services. The frustrated mob then stoned the police station.
On hearing about Pandiyan’s torched vehicle, his supporters gathered in front of the station and vandalised the statue of Dr BR Amedkar situated in between the police station and the bus stand.
Witnessing the clash, the public went haywire, some even recorded the acts on their mobile phones.
Clashes continued to break out even near the Vedaranyam government hospital where Ramachandran was admitted.
He was later rushed to Tiruvarur Medical College Hospital for further treatment. The two supporters of Pandiyan who were allegedly attacked were also admitted to the same hospital.
Heavy security was deployed near Vedaranyam bus stand and the general hospital on Sunday night. Further investigation is underway at the Vedaranyam Police Station.
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