Anti-Sterlite Protest: Madras High Court Says Bodies of 13 Killed in Thoothukudi to be Preserved
the Madras High Court hearing a plea of Tamil Nadu government, refused to budge from its stand of preserving the bodies of all those who were killed in the protest
Tuticorin, May 24: In the latest development in anti-sterlite protest, the Madras High Court while hearing a plea of Tamil Nadu government has refused to budge from its stand of preserving the bodies of all those who were killed in the protest. Yesterday, the Madras High asked the Tamil Nadu government to preserve the bodies of all those who were killed in the anti-sterlite protest.
13 people were killed and more than 65 injured during protests against the construction of a new copper smelter by the Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin). The protest turned violent after protesters were stopped from marching up to the plant. The protesters pelt stones and over-turned police vehicles.
In retaliation, the police resorted to lathi-charge and even fired tear gas to disperse the protesters. The Tamil Nadu government announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased, Rs 3 lakh for the severely injured. Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia was also announced for those who sustained minor injuries. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami also announced government jobs for the family of the deceased.
Taking cognizance of the situation, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ordered the closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi with immediate effect. It has also disconnected electricity supply to the unit early on Thursday.
The DMK and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu called for a bandh on May 25, condemning the police action against protestors in Thoothukudi. The locals are protesting against the construction of the copper plant. They claimed that it would pollute groundwater in their area and would cause serious environmental hazards.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 24, 2018 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).