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Submit footage of police firing in Thoothukudi, HC tells TN government
The Madurai bench of Madras High Court on Wednesday passed orders directing the State government to submit video clips and other evidences pertaining to the police firing incident in Thoothukudi during the anti-Sterlite rally in May this year, which resulted in the death of 13 people besides injuring several others.
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Madurai
Following the incident, over ten petitioners moved the court seeking compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each of the victim’s kin. Besides seeking medical treatment for the injured in hospitals away from Thoothukudi district at the expense of government, the petitioners wanted criminal action against the then Collector, Director General of Police and other high-ranking officials.
The petitioners also wanted police to stop harassing people on the pretext of investigation and arresting them without a valid reason.
However, the government counsel argued that no unlawful detention was made and 18 persons were arrested last month in connection with the violence that broke out during the rally.
As many as 244 cases concerning the firing incident had been filed and 262 persons arrested. While 23 others obtained anticipatory bail, 187 persons were let out on bail.
Hearing the petitioners, the Division Bench of Justices CT Selvam and AM Basheer raised a flurry of questions about the whereabouts of former Thoothukudi Collector during the incident. They also sought details about the weapons used by police to open fire. Asking for the intelligence reports, the Bench also sought submission of video clips of the protests which lasted for 100 days. Later, the Bench adjourned the case for further hearing on July 18.
Probe attack on lawyer: Court to Police
The Judicial Magistrate Court-I in Thoothukudi on Wednesday directed the Thoothukudi south police to file an FIR against those who assaulted a lawyer on the premises of the District Integrated Court on July 6.
The petition seeking legal action against those responsible for the attack was filed by G Jegatheesram, the victim’s counsel.
The incident took place after the petitioner was alleged to have spoken ill of MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who appeared before the Judicial Magistrate Court in Thoothukudi for a case hearing on the same day. The victim alleged that the attack was orchestrated by the supporters of Vaiko.
Since no police action was taken against those responsible despite complaints, Jegatheesram moved the court seeking relief. Hearing the petition, the judge directed the police to register an FIR, investigate the case and file a final report.
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