Tamil Nadu: 3 protesters killed in police firing

Chennai: Three protesters were killed on Sunday at Paramakudi in the district after police fired at stone-pelting dalit agitators following reports that their leader had been detained, the security agency said.

Reports say the firing took place after a face-off between police and Dalit protestors.

15 policemen, including DIG Sandeep Mittal, were injured in the stone-pelting as the mob set ablaze vehicles.

The incident happened during Emmanuel Sekaran Memorial celebrations following news that Dalit leader John Pandian was arrested.

The police denied any arrest. Police used tear gas and lathi-charge before firing at the crowd at Paramakudi, 40 km from Ramanathapuram.

According to initial reports, 15 vehicles including a police vehicle and buses were set ablaze.

With Additional Inputs From PTI