Workers at the Sipcot Industrial complex in Gummidipoondi receive their salaries with a mix of fear and joy.
The industrial complex, which is spread out on more than 1,450 acres, has several manufacturing units where thousands of workers are employed. When the workers receive their weekly and monthly salaries, they are targeted by mugging gangs that are on the prowl.
S. Bharani (name changed), who works at a chemical factory in the industrial complex, said workers like him had become easy targets for muggers who know when the salaries are paid.
Industrial owners point out that gangs that operate on two-wheelers take advantage of the poor lighting and the vastness of the industrial complex to carry out the robberies.
The industrial owners and workers are unhappy that despite the industrial complex having a police station, gangs manage to operate with impunity.
An industrial owner who does not want to be named, said lack of police patrolling and the non-functioning street lights were among the factors contributing to the crime.
