Police resort to lathi charge to prevent group clash

Theni, Tamil Nadu, Dec 1 (UNI) Police resorted to a lathicharge to prevent a clash between Hindus and Dalits during a temple festival at Devathanapatti here today.

Police sources said a group of Dalits took out a procession carrying idols in connection with the festival last night. While entering Devathanapatti village they burst crackers.

The villagers belonging to a community were irritated over this.

Policemen on duty also asked them to stop bursting crackers.

Meanwhile, a fire cracker fell on a policeman, injuring him.

Despite several warnings by the police, some people continued bursting crackers.

As the situation worsened, the police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the mob.

Atleast 20 people sustained minor injuries in the incident.

Later, the organisers of the procession demanded an apology from the police for their action.

UNI