Thoothukudi Sterlite violence: One more injured person dies

A person injured during anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi on May 22 passed away on Monday, October 15, after being in the coma for five months.

The victim, Justine was injured in lathi-charge by police during anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi. He was in coma for the past 5 months. The total death toll in anti-Sterlite protest till now is 14.

Thirteen people agitating against the expansion of the copper smelter were killed on May 22 and May 23, prompting the state government to permanently shut down the plant days later. Several people were arrested for rioting, burning vehicles in the premises of the collectorate, pelting stones and damaging public property.

The CBI has registered riot case against persons belonging to 20 organisations in Tamil Nadu over the connection with anti-Sterlite protests that were held in Thoothukudi in May 2018.

Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Police was subjected to severe criticism over its handling of the sitiuation. The incident found resonance in the state politics of Tamil Nadu as opposition DMK staged a walkout from the state assembly to demand closure of the Sterlite plant.