Sat Jan 25 14:31:12 UTC 2025: ## Activist’s Death Sparks Call for SIT Probe in Tamil Nadu

**Madurai, January 25, 2025** – People’s Watch Executive Director Henri Tiphagne has demanded a thorough investigation into the death of Jagaber Ali, a 56-year-old activist who was allegedly killed in Pudukottai district on January 17. Tiphagne urged the High Court to launch a suo motu case and order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, headed by an Inspector General-rank officer, to investigate Ali’s death.

Ali, a vocal critic of illegal quarry operations in Tirumayam taluk, was reportedly run over by a tipper lorry. Tiphagne alleges that Ali’s death was an attempt to silence him after he repeatedly reported the illegal activities to government officials, including the Collector and Superintendent of Police, with no action taken. He further claims that the inaction points to collusion between officials and illegal quarry operators.

A fact-finding team’s report reveals that despite a quarry license being suspended in November 2023, operations continued. Ali had even approached the Madurai High Court Bench regarding this issue. Tiphagne highlighted that Ali took precautions, recording conversations and even videographing interactions due to perceived threats.

Tiphagne called for a re-post-mortem of Ali’s body, ₹1 crore compensation for his family, and the application of the Witness Protection Scheme for their safety. He also requested the preservation of CCTV footage from the Tirumayam police station and police protection for Ali’s family. He further advocated for a new law to protect activists in Tamil Nadu, citing a rising number of threats and murders in several districts.

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