Anti-social elements infiltrated anti-Sterlite stir: Rajinikanth

Tuticorin: Superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday blamed anti-social elements for the anti-Sterlite protests here last week that resulted in 13 deaths in police firing, 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 said and expressed grief that 'this noble protest' had ended on a bloody note. The actor, who gave away Rs 10,000 relief to each of the 48 injured persons, said pro-Jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu last year also saw infiltration of 'anti-social elements'.

He had earlier announced a relief of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the 13 deceased.

"The government should crush such anti-social elements with an iron fist. On that front, I laud Jayalalithaa as she kept such persons under check with an iron fist.

They should follow her policy and keep them under check, 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.

Thirteen people were killed in police firing on May 22-23 when violence broke out at the protest by locals, demanding closure of Sterlite Industries in this district over pollution issues.

On the opposition's demand for resignation of the chief minister, Rajinikanth sought to know how quitting could be a solution. "If you demand resignation for everything, what (is the purpose)... I don't want to talk about that," he said.

To a question, he said he had "no confidence" in the state government appointed one-man inquiry commission to probe the violence, under retired Madras High Court judge Aruna Jegadeesan.