The police on Saturday arrested 12 persons belonging to the Vanniyar community in connection with the violence at Ponparappi village, where scores of Dalit houses were damaged on polling day.
Fearing police action, many have fled.
Of the 24 accused in the case, registered on the complaint of Gunaselan, a Dalit, 12 persons, including Arul Mani, 36, of Ponparappi, were arrested. They were all remanded in judicial custody. Sathya Sankar, who was named as the first accused, is at large. The accused were charged with attempt to murder, harassing women and damaging properties.
In a counter complaint lodged by Yasodai, wife of Subramani of Ponparappi, the Sendurai police registered a case against 24 Dalits of the village for attacking her husband.
Meanwhile, a group of women belonging to Vanniyar community on Saturday staged a road blockade at the village, alleging discrimination by the police. They withdrew the protest after the police and revenue officials held talks.
Superintendent of Police V.R. Srinivasan told The Hindu that the situation had been brought under control. Round the clock security had been posted at 12 locations in and around the village. Tough action would be taken against those fomenting trouble, he cautioned.
