Rajinikanth summoned for his remark in 2018 Sterlite violence case

Superstar Rajinikanth, who is set to make his political debut ahead of next year’s Tamil Nadu state elections, has been summoned by a judicial panel investigating the 2018 case of alleged violence at Vedanta Sterlite factory in Tuticorin.

The one-woman panel of retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan issued summons to the actor for his remark that “anti-social elements” had joined the protest. To her earlier summons, the actor had sought exemption from appearance.

Rajinikanth blaming “anti-social elements” for the violence was in line with the AIADMK government’s stand. He had also asked the government to “come down hard” on them. However, his statement had upset locals who had accused the cops of unleashing violence on protesters.

In the May 22-23, 2018 incident, 13 people had died as protesters clashed with the police demanding that the Sterlite copper smelting plant be closed.

Related news | Well-wishers of Kamal, Rajini propose common programme to forge alliance