Surat : Migrant Workers’ Protest Turns Violent, Police Injured in Stone-Pelting

SURAT : A protest by around 500 migrant workers in Surat’s Amroli spiralled into violence on Sunday after demonstrators allegedly pelted stones at police personnel, seriously injuring a constable and forcing authorities to use a lathicharge to disperse the crowd. The confrontation has now triggered a police investigation into an alleged pre-planned attack.

The workers employed in textile and embroidery units around Amroli had gathered near the Vedanta Industries intersection over various pending demands. Messages calling for a strike had reportedly been circulating on social media for several days, prompting police to increase security around industrial areas.

According to police, officers and Crime Branch personnel repeatedly appealed to the crowd through a public-address system to disperse and submit their demands through legal and peaceful channels.

“Gathering without permission is unlawful. If you have grievances, submit your representation peacefully and do not take the law into your own hands,” police officials told the protesters.

However, the situation reportedly deteriorated when some members of the crowd began pelting stones at police personnel.

A stone allegedly struck PCB head constable Anukulkumar Madanmohan Dubey in the face, leaving him seriously injured. He was immediately taken to hospital for treatment.

As the situation became tense, additional personnel from the SOG, PCB and other city police stations were deployed. Police subsequently resorted to lathicharge to disperse the gathering.

Amroli Police Station PI J.B. Vanar said a case had been registered following a complaint by PSI R.B. Zala.

“A case has been registered for unlawful assembly and causing serious injuries to officers and personnel on duty. CCTV footage and video recordings are being examined to identify the main instigators and others involved in the stone-pelting,” Vanar said.

Meanwhile, worker representatives met police officials and submitted their demands. Police assured them that their grievances would be recorded and placed before the Labour Department.

A meeting with labour officials is scheduled for Tuesday, where workers are expected to seek resolution of their pending demands. Representatives have indicated that any further protest will be held peacefully if their grievances remain unresolved.