Thoothukudi, May 22: At least 8 people are reported to have died and more than 30 injured as police opened firing after the months long protest turned violent. The protesters also tried to gheraoed the collector's office. The protesters have been demanding the shut down of Vedanta's Sterlite unit at Tuticorin, alleging that the plant is adversely affecting the health of people in and around the area.

Ahead of the protest called by anti-Sterlite Movement, more than 4,000 police personnel were deployed in various parts of Thoothukudi. However, everything turned futile, when the protests took a violent turn on the 100th day of the protest.

According to a report on Swarajyamag, when police tried to stop the protesters from moving ahead, it led to heated arguments between the two groups, following which, stones were pelted at the Police. They even torched few vehicles, as a result of which, police had to resort to tear-gas shelling and lathi charge.

Today, most shops in Thoothukudi town had their shutters down, accepting the strike call given by Thoothukudi town central traders association. These protesters have been demanding the closure of United Kingdom-based Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper in Tuticorin city of Tamil Nadu for allegedly causing pollution. According to a report on Indian Express, prohibitory section 144 was issued, in view of the scheduled protest, and permission was granted to only protest at SAV ground. The public however, paid no heed to the imposition.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 01:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).