Cuddalore: A woman Dalit Panchayat President in the district was allegedly humiliated by the Vice- President, who did not allow her to sit on a chair at meetings or hoist the National Flag, drawing wide spread condemnation from political parties.

According to the police sources, the village Vice- President Mohan Raj, while suspended Panchayat Raj Secretary Sindhuja and a Ward Member R. Sugumar have been arrested. Police later said has been held for offences including intimidation. The alleged disgraceful event that led to an outrage came to light after a photograph of S. Rajeshwari, President of Therku Thittai village under Mel Buvangiri Panchayat Union sitting on the floor at a meeting and others on chairs went viral, prompting authorities to swing into action.

District Collector Chandrasekhar and SP M. Sri Abhinav went to the village, located near the temple town of Chidambaram and held an enquiry on Saturday. The police officer said Rajeshwari named the Panchayat Vice- President and Secretary in her complaint and a case has been registered against the duo under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.