Eight houses of a Dalit colony at Pacharapalayam in Kurinjipadi block were ransacked and set on fire by a mob on Tuesday. While three houses were completely burnt, five others were partially scorched.
The steel almirahs in the houses were pierced open and gold jewellery and other valuables stolen. Two minivans and 10 two-wheelers were damaged in the attack.
In the ensuing clash, scores of people from Dalit and intermediate communities were injured. Superintendent of Police A. Radhika said both sides had filled complaints.
Soon after violence broke out, a strong police force brought the situation immediately under control. SPs A. Radhika (Cuddalore) and Prabhakaran (Ariyalur) are camping there.
D. Kathiresan and his wife Jothimani, two of the victims, told TheHindu that in the morning a gang barged into their house, broke a kerosene lamp and sprinkled fuel all over the place before setting it on fire.
Supporters of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi staged a road roko, condemning the attacks at Kurinjipadi, Cuddalore, Reddichavadi, Kondur and Marudhadu.
Two versions are doing the rounds about the motive behind the attack. One was eve teasing of a girl, which created a tense situation and another being torn up posters on Dharmapuri incident.
About 20 persons from both sides had been detained.
