Rajinikanth receives extra security after justifying deadly police firing
Actor's comments have caused an outrage amongst activists and locals
PHOTO: LIVE MINT
Officials in the Tamil Nadu district of India have amped up superstar Rajinikanth's security after he justified the police's decision to fire bullets at a protest.
Indian Tamil cinema superstar Rajinikanth to enter politics
According to BBC, the police's action killed about 13 people in the city of Tuticorin. Rajinikanth supported the police officials' decision stating that it had to be done.
During a speech in Tuticorin, the actor turned politician said, "The protest against the Sterlite unit was going on peacefully for 100 days, but the rally turned violent on May 22 due to the intrusion of anti-social elements and ended in bloodshed. The anti-social elements should be controlled with an iron hand."
The Tamil actor's comments caused an outrage amongst activists and locals who have stated that the police action was unreasonable. One of the regional political parties have decided to protest in front of the Rajinikanth's house as well.
However, the state police explained that they had no choice except opening fire as the crowd started overturning vehicles, committing arson and resorted to vandalism.
The mass protest was held when a copper smelting factory in the city was asked by authorities to shut down. Residents of the area said that the Sterlite Copper plant owned by Vedanta had been causing water and air pollution. They also alleged that they have been protesting against it for more than 20 years now. However, Vedanta denies all such claims.
What makes Rajinikanth a superstar at 62?
Rajinikanth has a huge fan following in India. The 65-year-old actor has starred in over 170 films. In December 2017, he announced that he was entering regional politics which made national headlines.
Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.
Indian Tamil cinema superstar Rajinikanth to enter politics
According to BBC, the police's action killed about 13 people in the city of Tuticorin. Rajinikanth supported the police officials' decision stating that it had to be done.
During a speech in Tuticorin, the actor turned politician said, "The protest against the Sterlite unit was going on peacefully for 100 days, but the rally turned violent on May 22 due to the intrusion of anti-social elements and ended in bloodshed. The anti-social elements should be controlled with an iron hand."
The Tamil actor's comments caused an outrage amongst activists and locals who have stated that the police action was unreasonable. One of the regional political parties have decided to protest in front of the Rajinikanth's house as well.
However, the state police explained that they had no choice except opening fire as the crowd started overturning vehicles, committing arson and resorted to vandalism.
The mass protest was held when a copper smelting factory in the city was asked by authorities to shut down. Residents of the area said that the Sterlite Copper plant owned by Vedanta had been causing water and air pollution. They also alleged that they have been protesting against it for more than 20 years now. However, Vedanta denies all such claims.
What makes Rajinikanth a superstar at 62?
Rajinikanth has a huge fan following in India. The 65-year-old actor has starred in over 170 films. In December 2017, he announced that he was entering regional politics which made national headlines.
Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.