On the April 7, 2023, a 21-year-old Dalit youth, Kathiravan, broke the longstanding rule of untouchability by entering the Dharma Raja Draupadi Amman temple located in Melpathi, Villupuram district. This incident transpired on the final day of the temple festival. However, his actions were met with an alleged assault by members of the dominant Vanniyar community residing in the village. Kathiravan and other two Dalit men were allegedly beaten up by the members of Vanniyar community. In response to this assault, the Dalit community raised their voices in protest, leading to road blockades and an atmosphere of heightened communal tension engulfing the village. Law enforcement took the step of sealing the temple, while multiple rounds of peace discussions were conducted. At present, the temple remains closed, and an undercurrent of tension persists within the village, even though no further instances of violence have been reported.