STERLITE PROTEST: DEATH TOLL RISES TO 11; RETIRED JUDGE TO INQUIRE POLICE SHOOT-OUT

In what sent shock waves across Tamil Nadu, at least 11 people, including two women and a teenager, were killed and 20 others grievously injured in Thoothukudi.

Police reportedly opened fire multiple times against anti-Sterlite protesters in Thoothukudi during the 100th day of protests demanding the Sterlite Copper plant in the district be shut.

Another 100 people are reported to be injured during clashes between police and protesters, with official estimates claiming that 20,000 people took to the streets.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami defended the actions of the police saying that the cops decided to open fire only because the protests had turned violent. He further ordered retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe into the incident.