Despite heavy rains, the demolition proceeded continuously, with the physical wall dismantled by nightfall and its foundation cleared by the early hours of Sunday.
Published Aug 11, 2025 | 2:11 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 11, 2025 | 2:11 PM
Tamil Nadu police. (Wikimedia)
Synopsis: In Karur’s Muthuladampatti, officials demolished a controversial wall built by the Thottia Naicker community on public land, following allegations from the Arunthathiyar community that it enforced caste segregation. Despite protests, the wall was removed under tight security by 10 August. Authorities continue monitoring to prevent tensions between the intermediate and Scheduled Caste communities from escalating into violence.
Muthuladampatti in Karur district is under tight security following the removal of a divisive wall constructed by the Thottia Naicker community.
The “untouchability wall,” erected roughly three weeks ago on government poramboke land, was pulled down between Saturday, 9 August afternoon and early Sunday, 10 August morning under the supervision of revenue officials and police amid tight security arrangements.
Despite heavy rains, the demolition proceeded continuously, with the physical wall dismantled by nightfall and its foundation cleared by the early hours of Sunday.
Police have since established pickets at key locations, maintaining vigilant round-the-clock monitoring, including plainclothes personnel, to prevent any flare-up of tension between the Thottia Naicker intermediate caste and the Arunthathiyar Scheduled Caste community, who reside in separate settlements in the area.
Karur Superintendent of Police K. Josh Thangaiah confirmed that no untoward incidents have occurred so far and stressed that all parties were cautioned against any provocative acts.
He also advised those who pushed for the wall’s removal to avoid celebratory gatherings, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the situation.
The wall, approximately 200 feet long and 10 feet high, had sparked a dispute soon after its construction on land without any official permission.
Residents from the Arunthathiyar community alleged the wall was deliberately built to bar their access to areas inhabited by caste Hindus.
In contrast, the Thottia Naicker community maintained that the barrier was intended to prevent antisocial activities by outsiders, particularly those under the influence of alcohol.
Tensions had been simmering for some time, with reports that members of the intermediate caste blocked attempts by Arunthathiyar residents to erect a stage for temple festivities and construct a public toilet on the same poramboke land.
Due to the escalating conflict and the risk of caste violence, the Revenue department issued notices demanding the wall’s removal, initially giving 15 days, followed by a final deadline on 9 August, 2025.
Though the Thottia Naicker leaders initially resisted, staging a protest sit-in at the Collector’s office, they eventually agreed to demolish the structure themselves on Saturday morning when officials arrived, avoiding a forced demolition by the authorities. Media access was restricted during the operation to maintain order.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, seeking to restore lasting peace in the community following the contentious removal of the barrier.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Veni EN)
