Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin was on Thursday evicted from the Secretariat premises in Chennai and detained after he staged a dharna outside the Chief Minister's office, demanding a meeting with him on the Thoothukudi police firing issue.
Earlier in the day, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) ordered the closure of the Sterlite Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi with immediate effect.
The toll has gone up to 13 as a man injured in the police firing on May 22 succumbed to injuries.
Here are updates:
Death toll goes up
The death toll in the Thoothukudi police firing has gone up to 13 with a man injured in the May 22 firing succumbed to his injuries. Though no fresh violence was reported from anywhere in the city today, it remained on edge. The government has ordered suspension of Internet services in Thoothukudi and adjoining districts of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari for five days to prevent spread of rumours through social media, and help restore peace.
Vedanta's Anil Agarwal expresses sorrow over deaths in Thoothukudi
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal on Thursday described as ‘unfortunate’ the loss of 12 lives in Thoothukudi.
In a video message on twitter, Mr. Agarwal said the company would like to continue the business at the plant with the ‘wish’ of the community.
Home Ministry seeks report
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted saying, "I am deeply pained at the loss of precious lives during the agitation at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu."
He added that the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken cognisance of the situation and "sought a report on the incident and the prevailing situation from the State government."
Did not deny permission to Stalin to meet me: CM Palaniswami
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami denies any charges that he refused to meet Mr. Stalin at his chamber in the Tamil Nadu Secretariat office.
He said protesters in Thoothukudi were instigated by the Opposition parties and other anti-social elements who had vested interests.
"The government has been taking steps to shut down the Sterlite Copper smelter unit in Thoothukudi by taking legal steps," Mr. Palaniswami said.
He denies claims that police firing in Thoothukudi was pre-planned.
Taking to Twitter, he said, " When someone hits you, you naturally tend to defend yourselves. so on such situations, no one acts in a pre-planned manner.
Stalin evicted from Secretariat premises
Mr. Stalin was evicted following his dharna near the Chief Minister's chamber at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and was subsequently detained after he attempted to protest outside the Secretariat premises on Rajaji Salai.
DMK working president M.K Stalin detained after protesting outside Tamil Nadu Secretariat.
"I shall face any case registered against me. I would bravely take any bullet," Mr. Stalin said.
DMK Working President Stalin was evicted from the Secretariat premises.
"DMK protest will continue till Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami steps down," he added.
Opposition leaders stage dharna at Secretariat
DMK working president and Leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin stages a protest near Chief Minister’s chamber at the Secretariat, says he wants to take up the Thoothukudi issue with the Chief Minister.
DMK working president M.K. Stalin and other party leaders stage a protest outside Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Chennai over Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi.
TNPCB orders closure of Sterlite plant
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ordered the closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi with immediate effect and disconnected electricity supply to the unit early on Thursday.
Orders to close the plant were issued by the Chairman of the TNPCB on Wednesday. The power supply to the unit was disconnected at 5.15 a.m. on Thursday, sources said.
