On 15 July 1953, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) organised a demonstration in Kallakudi against naming the place as Dalmiapuram.

A businessman named Ramakrishna Dalmia, from Bihar, established a cement factory in Kallakudi and the place was renamed Dalmiapuram on his request.

Twelve policemen were injured, including The Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Circle Inspector and ten other constables.

The government ordered an open judicial inquiry into the incident headed by the District Magistrate of Madurai and the Principal Subordinate Judge of Tuticorin.

The judicial inquiries and later court proceedings led to Karunanidhi and the four others arrested getting sentenced to five months in prison and a fine of 35 Rupees on each.