Sandeep Nanduri takes charge as Thoothukudi district Collector

Sandeep Nanduri, former Tirunelveli District collector, assumed office of Thoothukudi district Collector on Thursday. After he took charge, he addressed the media and said that his top priority is to restore normalcy in the district at the earliest. He also said that he will hold talks with the protestors and the new Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha, to reverse the prevailing law and order in the district.

The situation in the port city remains tense with the suspension of Internet services and Section 144 still in place. Sandeep Nanduri said, "I will be updating the media about the death toll. I will try to restore the situation within the next couple of days.”

When questioned on which official authority sanctioned the Police to open firing on the protesters on Tuesday, the collector said that a judicial inquiry commission has been appointed by the state government to look into it, hence deeming it as inappropriate on his part to speak on this issue at this moment. 

Regarding the violence meted out by the police to the protestors, Sandeep said that he will hold talks with the new Superintendent of Police and work with them to restore law and order.

On the illegal detention of 70 protestors, Sandeep said he is not apprised of the situation and that he will be able to answer only after discussions with the police.

Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday transferred Thoothukudi district Collector N Venkatesh and Superintendent of Police P Mahendran as fresh violence rocked the port city for the second consecutive day.

Selva Sekar (42) who sustained injuries following the clashes between security personnel and locals demanding closure of Vedanta group’s Sterlite copper plant over pollution concerns, succumbed to injuries last night in Thoothukudi GH, taking the death toll to 13.