Death toll in Thuthukudi Sterlite firing incident rises to 13

The death toll in protests against Sterlite factory in Thuthukkudi has risen to thirteen. District collector and superintendent of police of the district have been transferred. 

Internet based services in Thuthukudi and neighbouring districts of Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli have been cancelled since last evening. 

On Tuesday, ten persons, including two women, died following police action against protestors demanding closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter, near Thuthukkudi Collectorate. 

One person died yesterday in police firing.



Security has been beefed up in Thuthukudi and the number of suspects have been put into precautionary remand. Protesters have called attention to the environmental and health hazards posed by the copper mining and smelting industry.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court yesterday stayed the extension of the plant of Sterlite Copper industry in Thuthukkudi and ordered to stop all works immediately. The court also asked the central Government to provide details about the approval given for extension activities of the industry.