Security has been tightened at Muthuladampatti in Karur district, where an “untouchability wall”, built by Thottia Naicker community, an intermediate caste, allegedly to prevent access to people belonging to Scheduled Caste, was demolished on Saturday.

The task of demolition of the structure began at 3.30 p.m on Saturday and came to an end at 2.30 a.m on Sunday. In spite of heavy rain the demolition work, which was done by the intermediate caste as per the ‘direction and direct supervision’ of the revenue officials, was completed at a stretch. While the wall was dismantled around 9.30 p.m, it took five more hours for them to destroy the structure’s foundation. The entire operation was carried out amid tight security.

An uneasy calm has been prevailing at Muthuladampatti, where the Thottia Naickers and the Arunthathiyars live at separate settlements, in the aftermath of the demolition of the wall. As a precautionary measure, police picketing has been posted at various places of the hamlets.

Superintendent of Police Josh K. Thangaiah told The Hindu no untoward incident was reported so far at Muthuladampatti. However, round the clock security would be in place until further orders. Plain cloth policemen were asked to closely monitor the situation. Normalcy would be restored soon.

He said considering the sensitive nature of the issue, the members of both groups at Muthuladampatti were warned not to escalate the situation. The members, who had pressed for the demolition of the wall, were advised not to celebrate the dismantle of it in any manner.

While stating it was a teamwork, Mr. Thangaiah said the operation was completed without any issue. A series of direct and indirect talks were held by bringing the leaders of both the caste groups on a table. They (Thottia Naickers) had understood the “gravity of the situation” and agreed upon to dismantle on their own without waiting for the officials to raze down the wall.