Stop acting: Policeman told dying anti-Sterlite protestor in Tuticorin

Tuticorin: As fresh violence erupted at the site of anti-Sterlite protest in Tuticorin on Wednesday, a video has emerged showing inhuman reaction of the police as a young man lay dying on the ground.

In the video, 22-year-old Kaliappan can be seen lying on the ground with policemen surrounding him. As he moves his head a little, one of the policemen prods him with a stick and says, “Stop acting”.

Kaliappan was among the hundreds protesting against a Sterlite plant at Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. He died of his gunshot wounds soon after.

He was declared dead when he was brought to the government hospital in Thoothukudi.

Following Kaliappan’s death, the toll in the unfortunate and avoidable tragedy has risen to 12.

On Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu government ordered suspension of internet services in Tuticorin and adjoining districts of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari for five days to prevent spread of rumours through social media and help bring public tranquility.

Read: After fresh violence, internet services suspended in Tuticorin, top cop shifted

The government also transferred district collector N Venkatesh and Superintendent of Police P Mahendran on Wednesday.

Tirunelveli District collector, Sandeep Nanduri has been appointed as Tuticorin district, an official release said.

Nilgiris District SP Murali Rambha will replace P Mahendran.

A video released by news agency ANI on Wednesday taking aim from the top of a bus and then a voice from the background makes a shocking statement: "At least one should die".

Also Read: Video of anti-Sterlite protest shows cop saying 'at least 1 should die'

The killings of protestors have evoked a sharp response from the opposition with MDMK founder likening it to Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Also Read: Tamilians murdered for refusing RSS ideals: Rahul on anti-Sterlite killings

The protesters are demanding that Sterlite's copper smelting plant be shut down as it is polluting the air and water of the region.