MHA seeks details from TN over police firing

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government over the police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters.

The officials, including Home Secretary Rajiv Gouba, are in touch with the state government over the developments in Thoothukudy. Home Minister Rajnath Singh is also closely monitoring the situation.

Officials said the MHA has asked the state government to provide details of the incident and the action taken by the authorities following the police firing.

As the south Indian port town remained tense for another day, political parties stepped up attack on the Tamil Nadu government.

The CPM demanded immediate and permanent shutting down of the controversial unit of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit while protesting against the brutality of the police, which was "revealed by the fact that many of those killed and injured have bullet injuries on their heads and faces".

"The protests arose because of the inadequate response of the state administration to the genuine apprehensions of the people concerning air, water and ground contamination," it said, demanding action against police officials who opened fire at protesters.

Condemning the police firing, the CPI demanded adequate compensation for those killed and injured in the incident.