Sekar, Special Deputy Tahsildar (Election) of Thoothukudi, in his complaint, said that he ordered the police to fire at the protestors to save lives and properties at the Collectorate. He named groups including Makkal Adhikaram and Naam Tamilar Katchi for instigating the people to protest on May 22. He said that they entered the Collectorate raising slogans to torch the office along with the employees for not closing down the Sterlite plant. As the protestors continued to attack even after the firing of tear gas and rubber bullets, he said that he ordered Thoothukudi North police inspector to open fire. CPI (M) state secretary K Balakrishnan wondered why did deputy Tahsildar level officer has to order the firing when the Collector and other higher officials are there.

Source: dna May 28, 2018 19:09 UTC