On 28 May, the Tamil Nadu government ordered the closure of the Vedanta-owned Sterlite plant in Tuticorin, six days after 13 people were killed in police firing during protests.
Violence broke out on 22 May, the 100th day that the protesters had gathered in Tuticorin to demand that the plant be closed for causing severe environmental damage and endangering health of residents.
An FIR revealed that a special deputy tehsildar ordered the police to open fire on peaceful protesters. On his part, special deputy tehsildar Shekhar said he ordered the firing to save lives and properties at the collector’s office.
- The DMK has called the TN government’s order to shut down the Sterlite plant an “eyewash”
- Normalcy returned to Tuticorin on 28 May after authorities lifted prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC
- Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswamy had announced ex-gratia compensations for the families of the victims
CPI (M) Wants CBI Probe into Tuticorin Shooting
The CPI(M) on Sunday, 3 June, demanded that the probe into the police firing which killed 13 people during protests last month to demand closure of the Sterlite plant over pollution concerns, "be handed over to the CBI, monitored by the Madras High Court".
Madras HC Orders TN to Explain Thoothukudi Firing
The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench on Friday, 1 June, ordered the Tamil Nadu government to state the reasons by 6 June, for the 22 May police firing in Tuticorin which left 13 persons dead.
The court’s order came as it heard a petition demanding registration of murder cases against senior police and other government officials for the firing and also setting up a Special Investigative Team (SIT). The government was asked to submit its report by 6 June.
(With inputs from IANS)
Opposition will not Boycott Assembly Session: DMK's Stalin
In the aftermath of the anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working President M K Stalin on Saturday said the Opposition has decided not to boycott the ongoing Assembly session.
DMK will take part in state assembly proceedings from Monday. This has been decided as many issues have to be taken up in the Assembly.M K Stalin
(Source: ANI)
‘It’s Just an Eyewash’: Stalin on TN Govt Order
DMK’s working president MK Stalin reacted to the Tamil Nadu government’s order to shut down the Sterlite plant in Tuticorin, calling it an “eyewash” and indicating that it might have an “hidden agenda”.
Had this government order been passed before the death of 13 people, we would have welcomed it… If the victims of the Tuticorin police firing do not get justice, we shall approach the court.MK Stalin
On 31 May, the Tamil Nadu government filed a caveat before the Supreme Court in connection with the closure of the Sterlite plant.