Chennai, December 25: The Central Bureau of Investigation has started to investigate in anti-Sterlite protests case, where 13 people died, and around 40 others were injured, said sources. The Central probing agency has taken the case days after autopsy reports circulated that 12 out of 13 protesters died as bullets – fired by police – hit them either on the chest or head.

The CBI has collected the documents related to 15 weapons used in the firing. Along with this, the probing agency is examining the Tamil Nadu Police and Revenue Department officials. Among the documents summoned from the police includes who signed and collected these weapons and ordered firing which led to the killing of 13 protesters in the anti-Sterlite protests in May. Anti-Sterlite Protesters in Tuticorin Were Shot in The Head And Chest, Says Autopsy Report of 13 Dead Protesters; Policemen in Spot.

Earlier on Saturday, the new agency published the autopsy report of the killed protesters who gathered to protest against the Vedanta groups’ Sterlite smelter copper plant expansion in Tamil Nadu. The autopsy report – released by forensic medicine experts from several government hospitals – states that 13 protesters were hit with bullets in May and two of them were killed as they were hit on the head.

In the firing, the police flunked the rules and fired at the protesters on the chest and head. Till now, no police personnel have been charged or arrested 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. Even the United Nations human rights experts in May had condemned the excessive use of lethal force by police.

Till now, neither the Thoothukudi district administration nor the state government or even the Vedanta group reacted to the autopsy report. While Vedanta had called the death of people unfortunate and stated that they do have any involvement in the killing of protesters. NGT Orders Reopening of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu Govt to Challenge Ruling in SC.

The 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 25, 2018 12:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).