At least two dozens vehicles were damaged and three two-wheelers were set on fire by angry factory workers of six garment manufacturing units in Udyog Vihar here on Thursday.
The workers went on the rampage following rumour about the death of a fellow worker who was allegedly beaten up by the company’s security guards earlier this week for reporting late to work.
According to the police, workers of Gaurav International and a sister-company Richa Global -- both garment manufacturing units -- got agitated after some workers broke the news about the death of Shammi Chand, a 32-year-old worker.
Shammi worked in the quality check department of the Richa Global and was not allowed to enter the company premises three days ago as he was late by a few minutes.
“The workers are made to work from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight. When Shammi got late by a few minutes earlier this week he was not allowed to enter the company. He then got into an argument with the security guards who took him to a room and beat him up. He was then admitted to a hospital,” alleged Inquilabi Mazdoor Kendra activist Shyambir.
As soon as the news about the death broke, the workers resorted to vandalism. The word spread and workers from nearby garment factories also joined them and damaged cars and two wheelers parked inside the premises. “The workers broke the window panes of the cars parked inside the premises and set some two-wheelers afire. The workers also targeted a few vehicles plying on the roads outside. Soon police were called in large numbers and the agitating workers were dispersed,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajesh Chechi.
Mr. Chechi claimed that Shammi, who was rumoured to have died, was alive and was at his home in Kapashera. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Kulvinder Singh told The Hindu that the situation was under control and several hundred policemen were deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
