TN temple sealed after caste Hindus prevent entry to Dalits

Chennai, Dec 26 ( BPNS)

The revenue officials of Tamil Nadu sealed the Sakthi Mariamman Temple at Virudasampatti in Salem district after caste Hindus prevented the entry of Dalits into the temple.

Police said that the temple is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department. The temple was recently renovated and consecration was conducted by the caste Hindus. However after this, Dalits were not allowed entry to the temple and a meeting was held by the revenue officials on October 31, 2022.

After the meeting Dalits were allowed into the temple.  The Dalits were however not allowed to enter the temple on Sunday evening when women belonging to the caste Hindus prevented their entry.

Tension prevailed in the temple premises as both groups assembled and police and revenue officials arrived but the caste Hindus were adamant that the Dalits would not be allowed entry to the temple. This created a tense situation and revenue officials shut down the temple by night.

Heavy police are being deployed to prevent any untoward incidents in the area.