Chennai, January 2: The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, on Wednesday has approached Supreme Court challenging the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order of reopening the Sterlite copper smelter plant at Thoothukudi. Earlier, the state government had ordered closing down of the plant, where 13 people were killed in police firing in May 2018.

In another development, the Central Bureau of investigation had started their probe in the anti-Sterlite protests case. According to the case, 12 out of 13 protesters died as bullets – fired by police – hit them either on chest or head, says the autopsy report. CBI Starts Probe in Anti-Sterlite Plant Firing by Tamil Nadu Police Based on Autopsy Reports, Summons Documents From Govt.

The CBI claims that they have all the relevant documents to support the case, which include 15 weapons allegedly used to fire on people. Among the documents summoned from the police consists of the names of police officers who signed and collected these weapons and ordered firing which led to the killing of 13 protesters in the anti-Sterlite protests in May. CBI is also questioning the officers involved in the case.

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. 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.

The Madras High Court rolled back National Green Tribunal’s order which had dismissed the state government's decision to close the plant. Also, the high court had ordered the status quo for a month.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 02, 2019 12:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).