Summon Rajinikanth for comments against anti-Sterlite protesters: Vanchinathan

Vanchinathan, after being summoned by one-member inquiry commission led by retired High Court Judge Aruna Jagadeesan appeared before the commission of inquiry in Thoothukudi on Wednesday.

The commission was formed by the State government following the violence that broke out during the rally against Sterlite in Thoothukudi on May 22 last year.

After appearing for inquiry, Vanchinathan talking to reporters, said, Rajinikanth who visited the victims of shooting at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital a few days after the incident commented that the protest against Sterlite on the fateful day was orchestrated by ‘anti-social elements’. Several others also passed similar ill remarks against the protesters. Hence, those who made such comments should be summoned by the inquiry commission and an explanation should be sought from them, he said.

According to Vanchinathan, the rally involving scores of protesters was carried out peacefully in Thoothukudi but the riots were pre-planned and carefully executed by the police, who acted in favour of Sterlite.

Vanchinathan along with other witnesses presented all evidence gathered in the wake of the violence before the Commission to ensure that cases are booked against them.

He also appealed to the Commission to summon environmental activist Mugilan for inquiry, as he released a video document following the violence.