Anti-Sterlite protest deaths: DMK MP Kanimozhi writes to NHRC

Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi has written to the NHRC in connection with the Sterlite issue, alleging that "proper procedures were not followed" in the police firing during the protests in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin district leading to death of 13 people.

In a letter dated June 11, the DMK lawmaker has urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to look into these aspects.

The NHRC had late last month sent its fact-finding team to probe the deaths of those people in police firing during the protests against Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit in Tuticorin.

"The probe team has returned from Tamil Nadu after visiting the place and meeting people in the affected area," a senior NHRC official said.

On May 22, there was a peaceful, planned and legally permitted protest demanding permanent closure of the Sterlite plant, the letter read.

During the protest rally, "without following proper procedure or taking due precautions", the police personnel "opened fire indiscriminately" which resulted in the tragic death of 13 people, she said in the letter.

The Police Standing Orders (PSO), clearly says, that firing should be the last resort. PSO says, warning, bugle sounding, flag raising, water cannon, lathi charge, tear gas shells, firing in the air should be used before firing, the letter said.

"The PSO also stipulates that firearm should be aimed preferably below waist level and firing should be selective and controlled.

"It also mandates that live and spent catridges should be accounted for after the firing," according to the letter, a copy of which has been accessed by PTI.

"Neither were any of the guidelines adhered to on May 22 nor was any stock taking was done after the firing. This, being a serious lapse which is directly linked to the death of 13 people," she alleged in the letter, saying, it also needs to be probed by the NHRC.

Though this fact may not be on record anywhere, the NHRC needs to probe to find out who actually issued the firing order and what were the communications between the senior police officials on this matter, the letter said.

The rights panel had earlier issued notices to Tamil Nadu's chief secretary and the director general of police seeking detailed reports, along with the status of those who were being treated for injuries.