DINDIGUL
Tension gripped Ethilode village in Nilakottai block in the district following a group clash that erupted during Sri Muthalamman Temple festival in the early hours of Friday.
Five persons were injured when two groups pelted stones at each other at the village as a wordy dual snowballed into a clash.
When a group of people took out a ‘karagam’ procession on the last day of the 10-day festival, the rival group picked a quarrel with them over priority in leading the procession.
Even after prolonged arguments, they could not come to an agreement. Suddenly, a section of people, who were in an inebriated mood, started pelting stones at the rival group which retaliated violently.
Five persons were injured in the attack. Devotees who congregated near the temple ran for their safety.
Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Later, the festival came to an end with ‘Sakthi karagam’ reaching the temple.
Sufficient police force was deployed at the village to maintain law and order. Ten persons were arrested from both the sides, the police said.
