Normalcy has returned in three Dalit colonies in the district where caste Hindus torched 268 huts after a man committed suicide over his daughter marrying a Dalit even as 92 people were arrested on Friday for the violence, a senior police official said.
Complete normalcy had returned in the colonies and heavy police pickets posted, Salem Range DIG Sanjay Kumar, who is camping in the area along with three SPs, said two days after a group of caste Hindus targeted Natham, the boy’s village, and Kondampatty and Anna Nagar on November 7 night.
Some more people were wanted in connection with the incident and they would be secured soon, he added.
In a related development, Madras High Court directed the state government to file a counter affidavit giving the entire details of the incident and the action taken by the administration as also the result of the investigation.
A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam, said it would be fit and proper if the investigation was done by an officer in the rank of the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
The bench was informed that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has already directed the range DIG to maintain law and order in that area and take action against the miscreants.
When a PIL on the attack came up for hearing, the bench also said those displaced should be provided shelter and proper security extended to them.
The couple had got married on October 14 and upset over it the father of the girl ended his life. Angered over this, a group set afire 268 huts in the three colonies. But there were no casualties as all the people had fled to neighouring areas, police said.
Mr. Kumar said that armed police personnel had been posted in the villages and warned that anyone indulging in Kangaroo courts would face stern action. He said the couple were now in a safe place under police protection.
The DIG had ordered District SP Asra Garg to hold a probe on whether there was any slackness on the part of police personnel in taking prompt action.
Collector Lily said the situation was now under control and that the administration had made all arrangements to provide those affected with food and water. The villagers would also be provided ration cards, she said.
