Tension prevailed in Dalit villages in Naickenkottai today following the death of a 20-year-old woman, who was on fast along with some villagers demanding among other things arrest of those behind the attack on Dalit colonies last month by caste Hindus protesting an inter-caste marriage.
The woman, Mangammal, whose condition worsened a day after the fast began on November 28, died at Mohankumarmangalam Medical College Hospital at Salem, police said.
Hospital sources said the woman had been suffering from viral fever for the past 10 days. Though "effective treatment" was given to her, she breathed her last this afternoon.
However, the protesters alleged that she died due to "inadequate treatment".
A total of 268 houses were torched, 54 vehicles destroyed, jewels and valuables looted in the violence unleashed on Nov 7 by the Caste Hindus after a man committed suicide over his daugther marrying a Dalit man of Natham Colony.
After the attack came to light, police arrested more than 90 people and National Commission for SC/ST officials and leaders of various political parties visited the colonies and condemned the violence targeting the Dalits.
Two police personnel, including an Inspector, had been suspended while the DSP of the area shifted to Salem Range office pending inquiry into alleged failure of police to prevent the attack.
Heavy police force was posted in the area to prevent any untoward incidents, police said.
