Court orders release for 65 arrested in Thoothukudi

Anti-Sterlite protests have been taking place in Thoothukudi for the past 100 days demanding the Sterlite copper smelters to be shut down. However, the 100th day turned violent for the protestors as the police opened gunfire against them. As of Thursday, 13 people have been killed in the incident.

A few hours ago, Thoothukudi's new collector Sandeep Nanduri announced that 65 people were arrested for indulging in violence in Thoothukudi. He reportedly said, "65 people have been arrested & remanded for indulging in violence during the Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi. Another 68 people have been arrested & will be produced in front of the magistrate for causing damage to public property & indulging in violence."

However, according to reports, the Thoothukudi District Court ordered the 65 arrested people to be released on personal bond.