The state police have been asked to investigate the role of trade leaders, anti-social elements and garment factory owners behind violent protests by garment workers that erupted across the city earlier this week over the new rules pertaining to withdrawal of provident fund. The new rules were later withdrawn by the centre.
“We want to know who instigated the violence… whether it was trade union leaders, anti-social elements or owners of garment factories,” said Home Minister G. Parameshwara, after a meeting with the senior police officials here on Thursday.
Based on video footage, CCTV camera footages, and photographs, the police would identify those who instigated the protests in which 65 police and 37 people were injured, and 109 vehicles damaged. The police have booked cases against 149 people in the city and 100 in Bengaluru Rural district, he said.
“Massive protests were held without leadership. There is no leader to hold negotiations. We will analyse all factors that triggered massive protests and take strict action against all those who instigated the protest and set fire on buses and a police station,” Mr. Parameshwara said and added that police acted with restraint and suffered injuries.
Stating that there was no “intelligence failure or government failure in this case,” the Home Minister said there was no truth in a charge that the government has supported the protest. The meeting discussed precautionary steps that need to be put in place in event of such protests. Asked whether shortage of police was the major reason for violence in the city, he said nearly 3,000 police personnel retire every year. About 8,000 policemen were recruited and currently undergoing training. The Finance Department has granted permission to recruit another 8,000 policemen, he said.
