Anti-Sterlite Protesters in Tuticorin Were Shot in The Head And Chest, Says Autopsy Report of 13 Dead Protesters; Policemen in Spot
Protesters agitating against the expansion of Sterlite smelter copper plant in the port city of Thoothukudi were hit with bullets in May, and two of them were killed as they were hit on the head.
Tuticorin, December 24: Months after the protestors killing against the Vedanta groups’ Sterlite smelter copper plant expansion in Tamil Nadu, the autopsy report have confirmed that 12 out of 13 protesters died as bullets – fired by police – hit them either on the chest or head.
The report published by Reuters on Saturday, states that protesters agitating against the expansion of Sterlite smelter copper plant in the port city of Thoothukudi, were hit with bullets in May and two of them were killed as they were hit on the head. The forensic reports produced by forensic medicine experts from several government hospitals have not been earlier. Sterlite Copper Plant Row: Madras HC Stays NGT Order Till January 21.
According to the report, among the youngest to be killed in the firing, including a 17-year-old J Snowlin whose head was pierced as bullet his head and exited through her mouth. Till now the family of the deceased have not collected the autopsy report from the government.
As per the rules, police personnel are not allowed to use live ammunition to quell civil unrest and should not shoot to kill. In case the mob goes out of control and becomes a frenzy, the policemen can use the arms but only can hit the most threatening part of the mob.
Condemning the incident, the United Nations human rights experts in May had condemned the excessive use of lethal force by police. Till now, no police personnel have been arrested or charged in connection with the killings. However, the state police in their statement had said that they were forced to take action to bring the situation under control. NGT Orders Reopening of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu Govt to Challenge Ruling in SC.
Neither the state government, nor the Thoothukudi district administration and not even the Vedanta group reacted to the autopsy report. However, calling the death of people unfortunate, Vedanta had issued a statement saying that they do have any involvement in the killing of protesters.
On the other side, kin of deceased alleges foul play in the investigation done by the state police, which both the Tamil Nadu government and Vedanta group denied it. Earlier, National Green Tribunal dismissed the state government's decision to close the plant, but the Madras High Court rolled back the green court's order. Also, the high court ordered status quo for a month.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2018 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).