Alleging that some caste Hindus in their area were creating hindrance to their entering the temple, members from the Dalit community petitioned the District Collector TN Hariharan, here in Coimbatore on Monday.

The members who have been regularly praying at the temple for more than 60 years, also alleged that the temple land has also been encroached upon.

According to K. Velusamy from Karumbukkadai in Saramedu, the people in the area have been worshipping at the Pattatharasiyamman temple for years. He added that their entry into the temple has been allegedly denied by caste Hindu outfits. They had also blocked the pathway leading to the temple.

“They have also denied our participation in the temple festival recently,” he said.

They requested the district administration to intervene and solve the issue immediately.