Commandos arrive in violence-hit Thoothukudi, death toll rises to 13

Normal life was disrupted across the region as residents of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari suffered without internet connection, which disabled banking activities and digital transactions. ATM service too was hit, as most machines were digital, relying on an internet connection, except for a few which function with VSAT technology.

After the firing incident on Tuesday and Wednesday, the situation continued to remain volatile in Thoothukudi on the third day. Despite deployment of policemen from other districts, several petrol bombs destroyed public property. A bomb was hurled at a bike in Anna Nagar, leaving it completely charred. Another set of miscreants threw a petrol bomb at a TNSTC bus stationed at a depot in Muthammal Colony. A gang of three attacked the Muthiapuram Police Station with a petrol bomb and fled. A team of 50 commandos were brought to Anna Nagar, the most tense area in Thoothukudi. In addition to the commandos, 25 police personnel were stationed in eight streets of Anna Nagar, sealing the locality for protesters.

Residents of Anna Nagar said that police barged into their houses and picked up the youngsters from their locality, even when protesters were from other areas. In the police violence, John (29), a driver, who was returning home for lunch was beaten on his chest with an iron rod and was rushed to Thoothukudi GH in a critical condition.

Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Gagandeep Singh Bedi, said that a large police force had been deployed in Thoothukudi under an ADGP, four IGs, four DIGs and 15 SPs. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC were still under implementation and extended till May 27, 8 am. The death toll on day three increased to 13, when 42-year-old Selva Sekar, who sustained injuries in Tuesday’s violence, succumbed late on Wednesday at Thoothukudi GH.

Members of All India Democratic Women’s Association protested in front of BSNL office in Thoothukudi demanding restoration of internet connection, stating that it was a fundamental right.