Chennai, Oct 1:
Armed Reserve Constable Raja, who was seen in widely circulated visuals firing at protesters during the 2018 Sterlite protest in Thoothukudi, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Thoothukudi on Tuesday. He had reportedly been unwell for the past few days.
Raja, who was attached to the Thoothukudi District Armed Reserve, became widely known after a photograph taken during the May 22, 2018 protest showed him standing on top of a police vehicle and firing his weapon at protesters. The image, in which he was seen wearing a yellow T-shirt and black trousers, was widely shared on social media.
The incident occurred on the 100th day of protests demanding the closure of the Sterlite copper plant. As protesters marched towards the District Collector’s office, tensions escalated and police opened fire. Thirteen people, including two women, were killed and several others were injured.
The Tamil Nadu government subsequently appointed the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission to inquire into the firing. After examining photographs, videos and other evidence, the Commission held 17 police personnel and officials responsible and recommended criminal and departmental action. It described the firing as unprovoked and disproportionate, rather than an act of self-defence.
Legal proceedings connected with the firing are continuing. The charge sheet in the case has been filed before the Madras High Court.
Earlier this month, the State government told the Madurai Bench that it was not statutorily bound to implement the Commission’s recommendations in their entirety. The Advocate General also submitted that Rs 25 lakh had already been paid to the families of those killed in the firing and indicated that the government would not pay the additional Rs 25 lakh recommended by the Commission.
Raja is survived by his wife and two sons.