Anti-Sterlite Protests: Retired Madras HC judge to probe Tuticorin violence, NHRC issues notice to Tamil Nadu govt

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government over the death of 11 people who were allegedly killed in police firing during the violence at Tuticorin on Tuesday. 

In the notice to seeking replies from Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), the NHRC has sought reply on police firing within two weeks. 

The NHRC notice comes even as the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday appointed a one-person Commission of Inquiry headed by a retired judge of the Madras High Court to probe the violence.

The inquiry will cover the "law and order incidents following the siege of the District Collectorate by thousands of persons violating prohibitory orders," an official release here said.

Appointing retired Judge Aruna Jagadeesan for the task, the government said she would submit her report to the government. However, the time-frame for submitting the report has not been specified.

The violence during a protest, seeking permanent closure of Vedanta group's Sterlite Copper plant over alleged pollution issues also saw several dozens of men and women sustaining injuries which includes police personnel as well.

According to the Tuticorin police, eight men and two women were killed in the violence. Several reports, however, put the death toll at 11. 

The protests demanding the closure of Vedanta group's Sterlite Copper plant over pollution concerns were going on in Tuticorin for over three months, but violence erupted on Tuesday with agitators fighting pitched battles with police, prompting it to open fire.

Hurling stones and setting government vehicles and public property on fire, the agitators went on the rampage in the town, the police said. 

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry today sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government to provide details of the incident. 

Union Home Ministry officials said the ministry is in touch with the state government over the developments in the port town in the southern state.

The home ministry has asked the state government to provide details of the incident at Tuticorin, an official said.

(With PTI inputs)