Police firing: NHRC team to visit Thoothukudi

According to reports, the National Human Rights Commission has decided to send a team of officials to Thoothukudi where at least 13 people were killed in police firing. The 4-member team will visit the harbour town and hold an investigation into the firing incident. The Commission has reportedly arrived at the decision following a petition by advocate Rajarajan.

Earlier the NHRC had issued notices to Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and DGP TK Rajendran seeking explanation on the shooting in two weeks. In its notice, the human rights body, citing media reports, stated that the police resorted to firing on unarmed protesters without following the standard operating procedure.

At least 13 persons were killed in Thoothukudi where police opened fire at the people who protested demanded the closure of Sterlite copper plant citing environmental and health hazards. The police opened fire after the protesters attempted to lay siege to the Collectorate. Police vehicles and vehicles parked at the Collectorate were set on fire.