Some antisocial elements invaded antiSterlite stir, says Rajinikanth

Superstar Rajinikanth Wednesday blamed anti-social elements for the anti-Sterlite protests here last week when the police killed 13 unarmed protesters, and called for a Jayalalithaa-style ‘iron fist’ policy to crush such people in the interest of Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters after meeting those injured in the police firing, he did not favour K Palaniswami’s resignation as chief minister over the issue.

“The attack on the collector’s office and setting on fire (Sterlite) quarters was not done by the common people. Some anti-social elements infiltrated... (the protesting locals). It is their handiwork,” he alleged, and expressed grief that “this noble protest” had ended on a bloody note.

The actor, who gave away ~10,000 relief to each of the 48 injured people, said pro-Jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu last year also saw the infiltration of “anti-social elements”. He has announced a relief of ~2 lakh each to the families of the 13 victims.

“The government should crush such anti-social elements with an iron fist. On that front I laud Jayalalithaa as she kept such people under check. They should follow her policy as otherwise it will result in great danger for Tamil Nadu,” he said.

He also called for action against those who attacked policemen during the May 22 protest. On the opposition’s demand for resignation of the chief minister, Rajinikanth sought to know how quitting could be a solution.

To a question, Rajinikanth said he had “no confidence” in the one-man inquiry commission of retired Madras high court judge Aruna Jegadeesan appointed by the state government to probe the violence and its aftermath.

THOOTHUKUDI(TAMIL NADU):