On the 22nd of May 2018, Snowlin was shot dead by an unidentified sniper during an anti-Sterilite march and protest in Thoothukudi town, in the south eastern region of Tamil Nadu, India.
The aspiring 17 year old lawyer and student activist, Snowlin, was one of the young leaders of the large scale protests that regrouped thousands from across the region and was a key actor in organizing rallies and people mobilization.
The Anti-Sterlite marches sought to bring attention, accountability and even the eventual closure of the Sterlite Copper Company that operates in the region which is believed to be the source of large scale environmental pollution. Those close to Snowlin had remarked that Snowlin was particularly motivated by the rising number of cancer cases among her community, which is alleged to be linked to the polluting practices of Sterlite that contaminates soil, water sources and air quality.
Following her studies Snowlin had hoped to become a lawyer to further litigate against Sterlite and similar companies. Her death comes as a shock to the community and fellow protesters due to the peaceful nature of the march. Snowlin was one of many who were unjustly killed during the Anti Sterlite protests in what is now referred to as the Thoothukudi Massacre