Tension prevailed at a village in Ammapet block of Erode district on Monday night after a group of caste Hindus allegedly beat up a Dalit youth.
Police sources said the youth, R. Sathishkumar (20), a resident of Poonatchi village, allegedly teased a caste Hindu girl, an undergraduate student studying in a private college. The incident took place when the girl was returning home from the college. On learning about it, a group of caste Hindus reportedly beat up the Dalit youth.
Sathishkumar received serious injuries and rushed to the Anthiyur government hospital, where he was given first aid. He was later admitted to the government hospital here.
More than 100 police personnel and a striking force were deployed in the village and its surroundings to prevent any untoward incident. Two Deputy Superintendents of Police and five Inspectors were deputed to monitor the situation.
“We have registered complaints and asked both the communities to remain calm. The situation is under control,” a senior police official said.
Meanwhile, more than 100 cadre of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and relatives of Sathishkumar resorted to a road blockade in front of the government hospital urging police to initiate action against those who assaulted the Dalit youth. Later, they took out a procession to the Collectorate complex, where they met senior revenue officials and submitted a petition. Traffic at the GH junction was affected for more than an hour.
