Communal clashes in Shencottai over Vinayaka Chathurthi procession
Prohibitory orders clamped on two taluks of Tirunelveli district after Vinayaka Chatthurthi violence
Prohibitory orders were imposed in Shencottai and Tenkasi taluks in Tirunelveli district on Friday after a communal clash marred a Vinayaka Chathurthi procession on Thursday.A clash broke out between a section of Hindus and Muslims in Shencottai, situated about 65 km west of Tirunelveli, when a Vinayaka idol was taken through a street where a large number of Muslims live.
Tirunelveli Collector Shilpa Prabhakar Satish issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Shencottai and adjoining Tenkasi taluks until Saturday 6 a.m. She also ordered the closure of eight liquor shops in these two taluks and three more in nearby Kadayanallur taluk to restore order.
According to the police, a group took a Vinayaka idol in an auto, with an accompanying band, through Shencottai’s West Periya Pallivaasal Street around 9 p.m. on Thursday, to be installed in front of the Vandimarichamman Temple as part of Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrations. A section of Muslims, comprising mostly youth, opposed the move saying that the idol should be taken on an alternative route.
This led to arguments between members of both communities in the presence of the police. Soon it escalated into violence with stones and empty liquor bottles being hurled, leading to injuries to eight persons, including three police personnel. Subsequently miscreants damaged 10 cars and three autos, all parked along the street, and targeted two shops and an ATM.
