Sterlite row: Centre seeks report on Thoothukudi deaths from TN govt

Protest against Vedanta group's copper plant spreads to other districts, reaches Chennai

The Centre has asked the Tamil Nadu government to provide details of the incident at Thoothukudi, in which 11 people lost their lives in police firing. The deceased were part of a protest demanding the closure of Vedanta group’s Sterlite Copper plant over pollution concerns.

In another development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo-moto cognisance of the violence at Thoothukudi and has asked for an investigation. The Commission have given two weeks for the state to respond.

The situation at Thoothukudi, meanwhile, continues to be tense, with the police lathi-charging those gathered at the hospital where the post mortem of those killed in Tuesday's firing was done. Normal life continues to be hit in the district with shops, hotels and commercial establishments remaining shut and public transporation being impacted.

Agitators march through a street demanding the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit as protest entered the 100th day, in Tuticorin. (Photo:PTI)

The protest has now spread to nearby districts, including Chennai. People gathered in different part of the state capital, including at Marina beach in solidarity with the protesters in Thoothukudi.

The Police has arrested protestors across the state.

Tamil Nadu government has constituted a one-person Inquiry Commission under retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe the incidents in Thoothukudi and submit a report.