The months-long protest demanding closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, took a violent turn on Tuesday, 22 May, with agitators allegedly pelting stones and toppling police vehicles after they were prevented from marching towards the plant.

At least 11 people, including at least 1 woman, have been killed and over a dozen injured following clashes between police and demonstrators, according to an official statement released by the governor’s office condoling the deaths.

Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for those killed during protests and Rs 3 lakh each for the injured, and government jobs for the family members of the deceased. An inquiry commission will also be set up to investigate the incident, he said.

Meanwhile, DMK Working President MK Stalin is on his way to meet the Tamil Nadu chief secretary at the Secretariat to discuss the issue. Stalin has reportedly cancelled his visit to Bengaluru, where he was expected to take part in HD Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony, in light of the incident.