Published May 30, 2026 | 1:51 PM ⚊ Updated May 30, 2026 | 2:15 PM
Six dalits hacked over banner dispute in Tenkasi. (Representative image)
Synopsis: On the evening of Friday, 29 May, a group of nine masked men arrived on three two-wheelers and attacked people attending a wedding function at Matha Koil Street in Nettur village near Alangulam in Tenkasi district. The assailants allegedly entered the wedding venue and indiscriminately attacked those present with sickles. The injured have been identified as Ramesh (46), Arunmaran (22), Rayappan (19), Mark Ramesh (49), Ramkumar (19), and Madasamy (19). All six sustained severe injuries and were admitted to a government hospital for treatment.
Tension has gripped Alangulam in Tenkasi district after a masked gang allegedly chased and hacked six persons following a dispute over the placing of a banner by members of the Dalit community.
According to reports, on the evening of Friday, 29 May, a group of nine masked men arrived on three two-wheelers and attacked people attending a wedding function at Matha Koil Street in Nettur village near Alangulam in Tenkasi district. The assailants allegedly entered the wedding venue and indiscriminately attacked those present with sickles.
The injured have been identified as Ramesh (46), Arunmaran (22), Rayappan (19), Mark Ramesh (49), Ramkumar (19), and Madasamy (19). All six sustained severe injuries and were admitted to a government hospital for treatment.
All the victims belong to the Devendra Kula Vellalar community.
The incident has created panic in the region, especially as it comes just months after a similar attack in Nanguneri in neighbouring Tirunelveli district, where a nine-member gang brutally hacked people standing at a tea shop. The latest attack resembles the same pattern of violence.
Following the attack, members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community have been staging protests demanding justice and strict action against the accused.
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Residents and local activists claim the violence stemmed from a dispute over a banner erected for the wedding celebrations.
Speaking with South First, CPI(M) Tenkasi district secretary P. Uchimakali, who has been participating in the protest, alleged that the attack was “completely caste-driven” and claimed that members of the Maravar (BC) community targeted the Devendra Kula Vellalar (SC) community.
According to him, a banner related to the wedding function was erected in Nettur village on 28 May. He alleged that some persons from the Maravar community, angered by the banner and mike set-up, urinated on the banner and the sound system, allegedly asking, “Have you become arrogant enough to put up banners?”
When members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community questioned the act, the accused allegedly apologised and left the spot after being confronted.
However, Uchimakali alleged that the same group later returned on 29 May between 5 pm and 6 pm. They allegedly arrived on three motorcycles without number plates, wearing masks, and attacked people standing near the wedding house on Matha Street.
According to police, eight persons have reportedly been detained so far in connection with the incident. However, police officials have not yet issued an official statement regarding the case. “We still do not know whether those detained are directly connected to the attack,” Uchimakali said.
He further alleged that members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community in the area, many of whom are Dalits and some of whom have converted to Christianity, have been facing continuous intimidation from members of the Thevar community. “The police do not appear to be taking proper action,” he claimed.
Later, the Tamil Nadu police, issued a statement regarding the series of sickle attacks reported in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts. The police said eight persons, including three juveniles, have been arrested so far in connection with the incidents.
According to the police, the sequence of incidents began on Thursday, 28 May in Brahmadesam under the Ambasamudram police station limits in Tirunelveli district. A gang travelling on motorcycles allegedly intercepted Manikandan (29), threatened him for money, and injured the finger on his left hand before fleeing the spot.
The same gang later allegedly went to the sculpture workshop of Selva Ganesan at Vaagaikulam with the intention of extorting money. As the owner was not present, the gang allegedly vandalised property at the premises, snatched a mobile phone from a worker there, and while escaping, attacked a pedestrian walking along the roadside.
Police further stated that on the evening of Friday, the same gang attacked six persons in Nettur village under Alangulam police station limits in Tenkasi district following a verbal altercation linked to previous enmity.
While fleeing from the area, the accused allegedly became involved in another altercation at Therkkupatti under Manur police station limits in Tirunelveli district after some people objected to the motorcycles being ridden at high speed. In the incident, Mubarak (30) and Abdul Rahuman (36) sustained injuries.
Cases have been registered at Ambasamudram, Alangulam and Manur police stations, and investigations are under way.
The police said special teams from Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts were immediately alerted after information about the incidents was received. Additional police personnel were deployed and armed vehicle checks were intensified across both districts.
Search operations were also carried out at places where the accused were suspected to be hiding. Police said drones, sniffer dog squads and other modern surveillance methods are being used as part of the investigation and search operations.
The statement added that Anti-Rowdy Drives are being conducted extensively across the Tirunelveli range against history-sheeters and persons considered threats to law and order. Police said they remain committed to maintaining peace and public safety and will take strict action against those involved in violent crimes.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
