Summons likely for Rajinikanth by panel probing Sterlite firing

A single-judge commission investigating the Thoothukudi Sterlite firing is likely to summon actor Rajinikanth for his statement during the protests in May 2018.

Following the killing of 13 people in police firing during the protest, the actor had blamed “anti-social” elements for the violence at the protest site. While he was slammed by DMK and Left parties who sought to know if the actor was defending the police firing and calling protesters “anti-social elements,” Rajinikanth later expressed regret over his statement, saying that he didn’t intend to hurt sentiments.

Reports quoting Arul Vadivel, the probe commission’s counsel said Rajinikanth may be summoned in January when the commission headed by retired High Court Judge Aruna Jagadeesan starts its 24th sitting. The summons come at a time when the actor is all ready to launch his political outfit in January 2021.

Rajinikanth who was summoned by the commission in February this year had failed to appear, stating that his appearance will inconvenience public. He, however, had assured to answer all the questions of the commission.

The commission’s proceedings were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are slated to resume after cases reported a drop in Tamil Nadu.

The anti-Sterlite protests erupted following plans of expansion of the copper smelter plant at Tuticorin.

Police, claiming violence by protesters and threat to the collector office, had fired at the agitators on May 21 and 22, which led to the death of 13 people.

While Rajinikanth had initially condemned the police firing, he changed his stance after visiting the protest site and said “anti-social” elements had infiltrated the protest.