May 22 firing: Video evidence submitted to inquiry panel

The rally witnessed scenes of violence and gun fire, allegedly killing 13 persons and left several others injured. During the 12th phase of enquiry by the Commission, M Krishnamurthy, a resident of Thoothukudi town, who actively participated in protests against Sterlite Copper unit. which remains shut after being sealed as per Government order in the wake of unrest in May last year. submitted video content concerning the violence before the retired Judge. However, after submitting he told reporters that the video content was placed before the inquiry commission in the form CD. Which had already been released by Mugilan, environmental activist, in Chennai on February 15 this year.

He said the CD with all data was a clear evidence of the violence. Refuting claims of government and referring to the video evidence, he said gun firing during the fateful rally was not stimulated by incidents of torching vehicles. which were parked on the Thoothukudi Collectorate premises, but such vehicles were set on fire with intent to defend the act of gun firing on the occasion.

Hence, the video constitutes valid evidence and uncovered proof that gun firing was conspiracy by the corporate. While several phases of enquiry had gone by post violence, no case had been filed against any police personnel so far. Further, he said high educational qualifications, suitable jobs were not offered to family members of victims, who laid down their lives. Sources said, at  the end of 11th phase of enquiry, as many as 329 witnesses including injured victims and relatives of deceased victims were enquired.