Tuticorin Unrest: Vedanta's Boss Anil Agarwal May Step Back Over Anti Sterlite Protests in Tamil Nadu
Vedanta in a statement has regretted the incidents, and has said that it is working with the authorities, to look into the safety of its employees.
There is massive unrest in Tuticorin, now called Thoothukudi as police open fired at protesters two days back. These protesters have been demanding to 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.
On the back of the recent fiasco, according to a Times report, Agarwal dismissed concerns about the environmental damage of the company’s copper plant. He termed the incident as very unfortunate, and was quoted as saying 'I am very aggrieved and my condolences to the families.'
According to a Reuters report, Vedanta in a statement has regretted the incidents and has said that it is working with the authorities, to look into the safety of its employees, facilities, and other nearby community. According to a Financial Times interview, Agarwal, who holds a 71.4 percent stake in Vedanta has expressed his plans to step back from running the company. Earlier this month, he also said on Twitter that his company is a victim of a foreign conspiracy aimed at keeping India dependent on imports.
The death toll in the violence is 13 till now, and several are left injured.Section 144 has been imposed till May 25, and internet has been suspended for five days to avoid the spread of rumours in the already volatile area. With the political blame-game going on, Tuticorin continues to boil.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 24, 2018 12:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).