Tension in village after Dalit boy 'misbehaves' with girl

Tension prevailed in Papparappati village in the district after a Dalit boy allegedly misbehaved with an upper caste teenaged girl at a fancy store where she was working as sales assistant.

Police said the boy allegedly pinched her when she was busy searching for recharge coupons which he had asked. The girl caught him red handed and a verbal altercation followed.

On hearing the commotion, a woman working in an adjacent shop rushed to the spot and admonished the man. However, he reportedly threatened both women and left the spot. The girl then lodged a complaint with the police and a case was registered against the man under IPC 354 and Sec 4 of Tamil Nadu Women's Harassment Act. A search is on for the man, who is absconding.

Meanwhile, a group of upper caste people resorted to a road roko in front of the police station and demanded that the boy be arrested. They dispersed after being assured that suitable action would be taken.

Police pickets were posted at several places in Papparappatti and surrounding villages as a precautionary measure.

All shops remained closed in Papparappatti area.