The postmaster of Thirumalayapalayam village post office, near Madukkarai, was arrested on Tuesday for not allowing Dalits to enter the post office.

The arrest follows a report about the discrimination against Dalits at the post office, which is functioning out of postmaster Sumati’s house. Perur DSP P Muthuraj, who conducted an inquiry, said he found the allegations against Sumati to be true. Based on a complaint filed by Balamurugan, a Dalit, a case was registered against her under the PCR Act.

The elders wanted the issue to be settled amicably and did not want her to be arrested, but angry youth of the village insisted on action. In a counter move, Sumati lodged a complaint against five Dalit youths, including Manikandan who spoke to the media on Monday, accusing them of abusing and threatening her.

However, police sources said the complaint was found to be false. Meanwhile, postal officials have ordered the shifting of the post office to another room in the house.

“The post office, hitherto functioning from the living room, has been moved to another room to which everybody can have access,” said Senior Superintendent of Post Offices P P Arumugam. Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam has withdrawn the agitation called earlier to protest the issue.