MADURAI: The fact-finding team that was set up in the name of People’s Inquest to enquire into the Tuticorin police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters that took place on May 22nd 2018 has sought the immediate intervention of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr.M.K.Stalin for quick action and justice.
Jury members of the fact-finding team which was set up to look into Tuticorin police firing have sent a detailed memorandum, dated 10th May 2023- urging the State Government’s and Chief Minister’s immediate action in Tuticorin firing case, that was done on those protesting there on that day, based on report titled ‘The Day Tuticorin Burned’ which came out in July 2018.
“Jury members from various walks of life gave full details of all that transpired during the 100 days of protests by people in Tuticorin against Sterlite factory and the firing that took place on May 22nd 2018. It was a five part report prepared within 2 months of the occurrence of police firing incident in Tuticorin, covering all aspects of the firing incident. The report was prepared under Justice Gopala Gowda, a retired judge of the Supreme Court, in the presence of MP Mrs.Kanimozhi and MLA Mrs.P.Geetha Jeevan. The report highlights the presence of sharp shooters and snipers, the targeted killing of Sterlite protestors and the failure of police and administration to resolve the matter despite long notice given by protesters. Justice Aruna Jagadeesan visited the spots where violence took place, 13 innocent civilians were killed and Mr.Stalin was the Oppositon leader at that time when the firing incident took place. We would therefore urge the present CM Mr.M.K.Stalin to take necessary action,” the memorandum by Jury members of fact-finding team has appealed.
The jury members of Tuticorin firing incident fact-finding team includes Justice Mr.B.G.Kolse Patil, former Judge, Bombay High Court, Justice Mr.Hariparanthaman, former judge of Madras High Court, Mr.M.G.Devasahayam (Retd IAS), Dr.Christudoss Gandhi (Retd IAS), Ms.Geetha Ramaseshan, advocate, Madras High Court, Ms.Pamela Philipose, senior journalist, New Delhi, Ms.Kavitha Muralidharan, journalist, Chennai, and experts from forensic medicine, human rights bodies and fish workers forum.
