SI stabbed, policemen injured in mob violence in TN

Madurai, May 6 (UNI) A police official was stabbed and 17 policemen injured, while a police jeep and four motorcycles were set on fire in mob violence which engulfed Eliyarpathi Village of the district today.

Police sources said the trouble started when members of Mutharayar Community resorted to road blockade demanding action against some Dalits who allegedly desecrated a portrait of King Perumpidugu Mutharayar in the village.

The incident was sequel to the stoning of Dalit houses in the villages by Mutharayars over a petty quarrel in a tea shop last night.

A large contingent of policemen rushed to the village to disperse the crowd and police made several attempts to pacify the agitators.

However, the agitators were firm on their stand that the culprits should be booked immediately.

Later, police resorted to lathicharge to chase away the strong mob.

Suddenly, the mob retaliated by pelting stones on the cops and setting fire to a police jeep and four motorcycles.

They also threw stones on passing vehicles and damaged windscreens of eight buses.

During the violence, a sub-inspector of police was stabbed and 17 policemen sustained injuries while several others were hurt in the violent incident.

The injured were admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), here. The condition of the police official was stable.

Police have arrested several persons in connection with the violence and a search is on to nab those absconding.

Police pickets have been posted in and around the village to prevent further trouble. The situation is now under control, police said.

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