Thiruvananthapuram: Tension prevailed at the corporation office on Saturday morning as four un-authorised sanitation workers climbed atop the office's gateway arch, threatening to die by suicide. The protesters, armed with petrol, ropes, and matchboxes, demanded the release of 12 vehicles seized by the civic body over allegations of illegal household waste collection.
The incident occurred around 7am. However, fire and rescue personnel arrived at the scene and engaged the protesters in discussions. After nearly three hours of intense drama, the workers relented and climbed down.
According to the protesters, the civic body repeatedly failed to address their longstanding grievances and honour past promises. This is the third such suicide threat staged by the workers at the corporation premises within 40 days, highlighting escalating tensions between the workers and the administration.
The sanitation workers also accused health standing committee chairperson Gayathri Babu of making casteist remarks during a meeting with them. A minor scuffle reportedly broke out between the protesters and police deployed to maintain security at the gate. Following the incident, the Museum police registered a case and initiated further investigation. The workers remain firm in their demand for the immediate release of the confiscated vehicles and an official inquiry into the alleged casteist remarks. The civic body is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Last month, two workers climbed a tree carrying petrol and put nooses around their necks, demanding action over grievances related to unauthorized waste collection. They were protesting the corporation's decision to hand over non-biodegradable waste collection to Haritha Karma Sena workers, which they said impacted their livelihood. The corporation also seized the vehicles used by the protesters for waste collection and imposed penalties on them. Neither worker was employed by the corporation.