Sterlite Protests: Rajinikanth blames 'anti-social' elements led to Thoothukudi police firing

Actor Rajinikanth on Wednesday blaming "anti-social elements" for turning the silent protest against Sterlite into violent agitation on May 22, which resulted in the killing of 13 persons in the ensuing police firing.

The anti-social elements should be crushed with an iron hand like late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa did, Mr. Rajinikanth told reporters at a private resort on the outskirts of the coastal town after meeting those injured in the police firing, at Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital.

Superstar Rajinikanth visited people affected in police firing in Thoothukudi on Wednesday.

Rajinikanth also demanded action against senior police officers for opening fire on protesters participating in the anti-Sterlite agitation in Tuticorin. However, he said, that the people who had hit the policemen should also not be spared.

Earlier in the day, Rajinikanth said,''I am going to the hospital in Thoothukudi to visit the injured. It is just a goodwill gesture.''

According to the police officer, only four were permitted to accompany him in to the hospital. He has been permitted only to visit government hospital and not to visit families of any victim.