Several hundred shops in Podanur, Sundarapuram, Kuniamuthur, Kovaipudur, Milekal, Machampalayam, Idayarpalayam, Kulathupalayam and Sungapuram areas remained closed on Friday in protest against the damage caused to an idol at a temple on Monday.
Trouble erupted on March 8, when the devotees found the Adhi Veeramahaliamman idol removed from the pedestal with some damage on it.
When the Hindu outfits staged a protest demanding the arrest of those involved in the damage to the idol, commotion prevailed after the agitators tried to chase a person accusing him of trying to videograph or photograph the agitators.
The person from the minority community escaped the wrath of the protesters and took shelter.
This triggered a fresh round of protest by the members of the minority community opposing the alleged attempt to assault a member of their community.
Police reinforcements were posted in the area and the situation was defused after police promised to initiate action against both sides.
On Tuesday, shops in Madukkarai area remained closed in protest against the damage to the idol.
