Temple in Tamil Nadu sealed after Dalits prevented from entering

Karur: In a disturbing display of caste discrimination, the Revenue Department officials have sealed Sri Kaliamman Temple in Veeranampatti near Kadavur after the Urali Gounder community prevented Dalits from entering. The temple, which was in the midst of its annual festival, was sealed by Revenue District Officer Pushpa Devi on Thursday, June 8, following escalating tensions.

The turmoil erupted when a member of the Dalit community attempted to enter the temple on the morning of June 7, only to be obstructed by the Urali Gounders. The Urali Gounders, a locally dominant community, insisted on keeping the temple closed until the issue was resolved. However, without informing district officials, they conducted a temple cart procession on the evening of June 8, further fuelling tensions.

The catalyst for the events occurred on June 7, when Manikkam, an individual from the Urali Gounder community, allegedly subjected Sakthivel, a Paraiyar man, to caste-based discrimination. Although Sakthivel refrained from filing a police complaint, he promptly informed the district administration about the incident, highlighting the denial of entry to Dalits at the temple.

Upon receiving the complaint, district administration officials, accompanied by Kadavur Revenue Division Officer Muniraj and the police, rushed to the village to facilitate peace talks. However, the Urali Gounders reacted by closing the temple and gathering in front of it to prevent Dalit entry.

The police's decision not to register a case immediately was attributed to their pursuit of sustainable and permanent solutions, aiming to prevent further rifts among the communities. Nevertheless, the denial of access to Dalits was deemed unconstitutional, and the officials warned that the temple affairs could be placed under the control of the Karur Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Department.