Asked to leave by firm, allege 120 Muslim workers in Gurugram

GURUGRAM: Alleging discrimination, more than 100 Muslim workers at two manufacturing plants of a garment export firm have claimed that they were asked to leave by their employer.
However, the company, Richa & Co, termed the allegations “baseless” and said there was an issue with movement passes.
On Thursday, 50 workers turned up for work at the firm’s plant at plot number 411 in Udyog Vihar Phase 3. However, they were told to return home, they alleged. “We had gone to work on Wednesday, but they refused entry to Muslim workers the next day. Our names were listed separately,” a worker from West Bengal alleged.
Some days ago, 60-70 Muslim workers at the unit in IMT Manesar also alleged they were let go. A worker from Bihar said, “After the lockdown, there has been no work for Muslim workers here. They sent us all back.”
Some workers said the employer’s apprehensions could be linked to the Tablighi Jamaat meet. “They mentioned the Jamaat, and that we might not follow social distancing norms if we congregate for namaz. But the mosques are closed,” said another worker.
He added that he was struggling for sustenance: “We have families to feed. If there’s no work, there is no way for us to earn a livelihood.”
The firm’s in-charge at the Udyog Vihar plant, Brijender Vishwakarma, told TOI, “The allegations are baseless. We asked them to return as there was an issue with their movement passes.” Deputy manager HR Amit Kumar also said it was due to passes.
Some officials claimed the workers were not being allowed as they stay in Kapashera, a red zone. The workers, however, said they live in Dundahera. TOI contacted Richa and Co on email, but there was no response.