A group of Dalits on Friday entered a temple in Olapatti village that has remained closed since 2006 following a dispute between two groups of Dalits over its administration, with heavy police protection.
The Sri Om Kaliamman temple, claimed to have been built by the Dalits of Periyur Parapatti Colony in the village, came under lock and key immediately after its consecration on February 23, 2006 following opposition from a group of Dalits of Chinnur Parapatti Colony. This led to a serious law and order problem.
The Mettur Municipal Court had recently ruled that all sections of people should be allowed to enter the temple and offer worship. Soon, Mettur Revenue Divisional Officer P. Velu held a peace meeting with the two Dalit groups. The talks failed and the Dalits from Chinnur Parapatti opposed the opening of the temple. They also claimed that they had gone in appeal against the lower court order.
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The other section announced that they would break open the lock and enter the temple on Friday. A police contingent led by Superintendent of Police Y. John Nicholson and Revenue staff, including the RDO, rushed to the village and held peace talks with both the groups. They warned that any incident that would affect law and order would be dealt with seriously.
The RDO handed over the temple keys to the Dalits, who threw open the doors for darshan. A senior police officer said that the police bandobust would remain in the village for a few more days. The village remained peaceful.