20 hurt in clash between 2 Dalit communities

Twenty persons were injured and some houses damaged in a clash between two dalit communities at a village over victory celebrations for a candidate in the April 13 assembly polls, police said.

Trouble started at nearby Pudupatti village on Monday when supporters of one group picked up an argument and beat up a worker of the rival group, making arrangements for victory celebrations.

They also allegedly attacked his colleagues with petrol bombs, stones and bottles. Supporters of both groups also reportedly ransacked and damaged houses and took away cash.

Sixteen persons were on Monday arrested in connection with the clash, police said.

A strong police contingent has been posted in the village.