CBI initiates probe in anti-sterlite clashes that killed 13 people in TN

The CBI on Tuesday initiated a probe in the anti-sterlite clashes between demonstrators and police that led 13 people dead and over 40 injured in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi in May this year.

CBI recorded statements of families of the deceased and injured recently. However, statements of the officials of Tamil Nadu Police and Revenue Department are underway.

The premier investigating agency also summoned several documents from the state police including documents on whose order 15 weapons were issued, who had signed and collected the weapons and who ordered firing which led to the killings.

In August, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court transferred all the cases pertaining to the violence and police firing to CBI. Justices CT Selvam and Basheer Ahamed also quashed the detention of six members of Makkal Adhikaram. These members were detained under the National Security Act, 1980.

Following the court's order, CBI registered a case against Tamil Nadu Police and Revenue Department officials on November 29.

The protest was against construction of the Sterlite copper plant. The protesters contention was that it would pollute the groundwater. During the protest, the police and the agitators had clashed.