Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday held anti-social elements responsible for Sterlite protests that claimed 13 lives in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district.
"The entire problem started after anti-social elements attacked police and burned down collector's office, as a result, peaceful protesters were killed. If you undertake protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into a cemetery," Rajinikanth told media here.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth also met those injured during protests at the Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital (TMCH).
Earlier in the day, the actor announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of victims killed in the protest.
On May 22, 13 people were killed and more than 60 injured in the police firing during the protest against the construction of a new smelter plant by Sterlite copper mining Industries in Thoothukudi.
The people were protesting against the construction of the copper plant, claiming that it was polluting groundwater, and was hazardous for the environment.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)