Anti-Sterlite protest in Tuticorin turns violent; police firing kills 10 people leaving 95 injured

Thuthukuddi, May 23: In the wake of pollution concerns in Tamil Nadu, people came out in protest to demand the ban the Sterlite Industries. The month-long protest turned violent as almost 10 people died and several others injured in the police firing at the anti-Sterlite protest at Thuthukudi.

Residents have been demanding the closure of the plant, citing that the pollution it generates is causing serious health issues. The agitation against Sterlite Copper, which represents the copper unit of Vedanta Limited, recently escalated after the company announced the expansion of its unit in the city. Sterlite Copper, which currently operates a 400,000-tonne per annum unit in the city, maintains it has received necessary permits and has not violated any norms.

 

The protesters took out a procession towards the collectorate defying prohibitory orders in the area, said the chief minister, adding that they not only threw stones at policemen but also set on fire their vehicles. The protesters threw stones at the collector's office, CM Palaniswami said in a statement.

"The police had to take action under unavoidable circumstances to protect public life and property as the protesters resorted to repeated violence, police had to control the violence," said Palaniswami, who holds the Home portfolio.

They had intensified protests demanding the closure of the plant after reports came in that the group was seeking a license for expansion as the initial 25-year license comes to an end.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy has ordered an inquiry by a retired high court judge on the police firing in Thuthukuddi yesterday. The Chief Minister has also announced that each of the families of the dead persons will be awarded compensation of 10 lakh rupees. The state government clarified that the police had to take unavoidable action to bring the situation under control.