The Madras High Court has expressed profound distress over the 2018 police firing in Thoothukudi that resulted in the deaths of 13 anti-Sterlite protesters, emphasizing the need for accountability and proper investigation. The court criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation's earlier report as unrealistic and unreliable, granting the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) three months to conduct an independent investigation into the assets of police and revenue officials involved. The judges highlighted concerns over the disproportionate police response and the atmosphere of fear created among the community during the protests. They mandated cooperation from other relevant authorities in this investigation. The court plans to hear the case again in three months to review progress. This tragic incident stemmed from protests against pollution from a copper smelter, which had been operating without proper permits.