TN widens scope of inquiry by panel on Tuticorin violence

The Tamil Nadu government today widened the scope of the commission of inquiry into the police firing in Tuticorin on May 22 during the anti-Sterlite protests by bringing subsequent violent incidents also under its purview.

Violent incidents subsequent to the police firing on May 22 would come under the ambit of the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan led Commission of Inquiry, according to a government order issued yesterday.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the inquiry, originally, was to probe the "causes and circumstances" leading to the opening of fire resulting in death and injuries to persons on May 22 at Tuticorin and damage to public and private properties.

 

Now, following an amendment to the ToR, the commission will also look into "subsequent events (after May 22) at Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) and nearby areas including damage to public and private properties."

The public and victims can furnish facts and information known to them either directly or through authorised persons to the Commission on or before July 27, an official release said.

Twelve people were killed in the police firing on May 22 when the protest demanding closure of the Sterlite's copper smelter unit in the town turned violent.

One more person died the next day, in police firing following fresh clashes between security personnel and the protesters.

The government had on May 23, notified setting up of the Commission.

The violence began with a "siege the district collectorate" protest on May 22 seeking permanent closure of the copper plant over alleged pollution issues.

Scores of people, including police personnel, were injured in the violence and over 200 cases had been registered by police. More than 100 people had been arrested many of whom later got bail.

After the violence the government ordered closure of the plant and the unit has now moved the National Green Tribunal against it.