PUDUKKOTTAI: Tensions gripped Vadakadu village in Pudukottai after a minor altercation over filling petrol escalated into a violent clash between youths from the MBC and SC communities on Monday night, leaving at least five people injured and causing property damage. However, police have denied reports linking the violence to the Muthumariamman temple festival or caste-based tensions.
According to police, the incident occurred on Monday night near an Indian Oil petrol station in the Alangudi area, where a verbal dispute broke out between two groups over who would fill petrol first. Although the groups initially dispersed, tensions flared again after members from one party followed the other to their residential area, leading to a physical confrontation. During the clash, a -roof house was set on fire, the window of a govt bus was smashed, and a two-wheeler was torched by miscreants. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media.

Police said that the violence was fueled by intoxicated individuals from both sides and that an investigation is ongoing. By 1:30 a.m., law minister S Regupathy, Pudukkottai SP Abhishek Gupta, and Trichy DIG V Varun Kumar had visited the site.

In a press release, police have also refuted claims circulating on social media about multiple houses being set ablaze in Dalit areas, people being attacked with sickles, and injuries to four policemen, including a police inspector. Meanwhile, police have detained 14 individuals, and security has been intensified in the area. Sources said a case has been filed under SC/ST atrocities prevention act based on a complaint from the SC community. The injured are being treated at Alangudi govt hospital and Pudukkottai govt medical college. Further investigation is underway.