Four people have died in clashes over protests demanding the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit in Thoothukudi (also known as Tuticorin).
Protestors pelted stones and toppled police vehicles after they were prevented from marching towards the plant. Police said section 144 of the CrPc has been invoked in and around the Sterlite unit to provide security to it as per the orders of the Madras High Court.


However, angered over not being allowed to take out a rally, the slogan-shouting protesters forcibly tried to push back the security personnel in riot gear. They then started hurling stones at police and also overturned a vehicle after which the security personnel lobbed teargas shells to disperse them, they said.


While more than 20 people suffered minor injuries in stone-pelting incident, some vehicles were set on fire, leading to tension in the area, they added.


Meanwhile, a peaceful demonstration was held near the old bus stand in the town, also demanding the closure of the Sterlite unit and the proposed expansion of the plant.