A section of the people of Nadupatti in Nilakottai block laid siege to Collector’s camp office here on Friday, demanding withdrawal of “false cases” filed against them in connection with a group clash during a temple festival on July 21, 2013.
Two sections of people clashed with each other during the temple festival. Houses were looted and set on fire and people were chased out of the village. Many people found asylum on a nearby hillock. Cases were filed against many on both sides. Later, the Collector and the Superintendent of Police restored peace in the village.
Meanwhile, the SC/ST Commission intervened and provided relief to the affected people. Livelihood activities were provided to the people in the village, said P. Perumal, a villager.
At that time, the officials assured the villagers that the cases filed against them would be withdrawn. But no steps were taken to withdraw the case, said another protesting villager, C. Pethan.
The agitators also threatened to surrender their ration cards if the government did not take any step in this connection. But the officials advised them to meet the Collector, T.N. Hariharan, at his office.
Later, the villagers withdrew their agitation, went to the Collectorate and submitted a petition to Mr. Hariharan.
