UP labourers clash in Kutch cement factory, 16 arrested

TNN | May 4, 2020, 04:51 IST

A grab from a video shot during the clash that took place on Sunday

Rajkot: Four labourers were injured when clashes broke out between two groups of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh at Sanghipuram colony of a cement factory in Abdasa taluka of Kutch on Saturday night.
Tempers flared when one of the groups had gone to make a representation before the labour contractor to arrange transport for their travel to UP, but had to return emptyhanded when he denied. When they returned to the colony, workers from the other group mocked at the failed attempt which led to an altercation.
“Suddenly situation turned serious with workers attacking each other with bats, iron pipes and stones, that left four labourers injured. However, we rushed to the spot after getting a call and arrested 16 persons,” said R U Zala, sub-inspector with Vayor police station.
The group led by Tejbahadur Chauhan, Subhash Nishad and Omprakash Goswami made a representation before Bhanwar Lal, the labour contractor, demanding arrangement for their travel to their native places in UP.
Lal said that the no such help could be extended as the UP government had refused to allow migrants from its state to return.
When the group returned to the labour colony, the other group led by Rajesh Pradhan, Shivlal Nishad and Omshankar made fun of those who had made a vain attempt through representation.
Of the 16 persons arrested were Subhash Nishad, Omprakash Goswami, Faruq Baksh and Shivlal Nishad who led one group, and Ram Chauhan, Tejbahadur Chauhan, Rajaram Rajbhar and Rajan Chauhan who led another group.
Four labourers, identified as Tejbahadur Chauhan, Shivlal Nishad, Rajesh Pradhan and Ram Chauhan, were injured in the incident.