Dalits denied sacred ash at Tamil Nadu temple, demand justice, legal action
Pudukottai: A group of Dalit residents from Vadavalam panchayat in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district have alleged caste-based discrimination after they were denied sacred ash (vibuthi) during a temple ritual at the Kaliyuga Meyya Ayyanar Temple on July 6. The temple is under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR\&CE) department.
According to a police complaint filed at Sambattividuthi station, the temple priest distributed vibuthi to upper-caste devotees after the deeparadhanai ritual but refused to give it to Dalit participants. When questioned, the priest allegedly said, “We cannot give vibuthi to people like you.”
“This discrimination has existed for generations,” said M. Paniswamy, a Dalit resident. “We are not allowed inside the temple, cannot sit under the same shelter, or participate in key rituals.”
On Monday, the affected residents, supported by members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), submitted a petition to District Collector M. Aruna, demanding temple entry rights, participation in rituals, and legal action against the priests under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They also urged the inclusion of a Scheduled Caste member in the temple trustee board.
Dalit residents said they are routinely barred from carrying milk pots, performing mandagapadi offerings, or even setting up water stalls during festivals. They also pointed to an invisible “social boundary” near the temple they are forbidden to cross.
Thirumaravan, VCK’s Thanjavur-Pudukottai zonal secretary, called on district officials to ensure Dalit entry into the temple during the upcoming therottam (temple car festival) on July 8. “This is not just about ritual; it’s about dignity,” he said.
In response to the complaint, a peace meeting was held by the Alangudi DSP and Pudukottai revenue officials. A senior officer assured that Dalits would be allowed to participate in the festival and that any interference would be dealt with strictly.
However, no final decision has been made regarding legal action against the priests named in the complaint, Ganesh and Sambandham Gurukkal.
M. Anbuselvam, a representative of the dominant caste community present at the peace meeting, denied the allegations and claimed the issue was being exaggerated for political motives.
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Barber held for beating man to death over 'bidi' in east Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A 32-year-old barber was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly beating a man to death following an altercation over a 'bidi' in east Delhi's Pandav Nagar area, police said.
A call regarding the incident that occurred near the bus stand road in Shashi Garden was received at 1.24 am, they said.
The victim was identified as Deepak (28), while the accused was Manoj, he added.
According to the police, during an argument, the accused picked up a wooden stick lying nearby and struck the victim repeatedly on the head. Multiple injuries and bruise marks were also found on the victim's forehead.
"Deepak was taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead," an officer said.
An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway, the officer added.
