On the 22nd of May 2018, Tamilarasan (also spelled Thamizharasn) was shot dead during the peaceful protest and mobilization against the Copper company, Sterlite, in the south eastern region of Tamil Nadu, India.

Tamilarasan, 47, was the leader of Puratchikara Ilaignar Munnani (Revolutionary Youth Front) and a key organizer in the Anti-Sterlite protests that resulted in what is now known as the Thoothukudi Massacre which saw other like Tamilarasan gunned down by unknown assailants. 

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 linked to an spike in cancer diagnosis within the local population. 

Reports and eye witness accounts during the event note that the Police and other unidentified shooters were targeting protesters in an attempt to oppress the anti-Sterlite mobilization.