2 days on, Surat police detains 26 for ‘inciting’ textile workers’ unrest

Two days after textile workers clashed in Surat, police detained 26 individuals on Tuesday for allegedly inciting the unrest. Most detainees were found to be operating WhatsApp groups used to incite people, according to police. On Sunday afternoon, numerous workers stormed two embroidery units at Vedant Eco Park-2 in Surat's Amroli suburb.

When the factory owner refused their demands, they shut down the power, halting production. Their grievances included a weekly off, reduced working hours, and wage increase. Two First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed at the Amroli police station against the workers for rioting, unlawful assembly, trespass, and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The unrest soon spread to surrounding areas, prompting police assistance. By Monday, the textile industry had almost come to a standstill after workers returned home due to the LPG crisis following the US-Iran War. Factories resumed normal operations by May as demand rose with wedding and festive seasons approaching. On Sunday, agitating workers met with labor department officials, who assured them their demands would be discussed with factory owners soon.

However, on Sunday afternoon, agitators threatened workers at Vedanta Eco Park units, causing them to shut down machinery. The owner, Vishal Goti, complained to the police about over 250 individuals who forcibly closed his factory. The incident turned violent as police confronted the agitators, who responded with stone-pelting. A police constable suffered a head injury and filed a complaint against a mob of 400-500 textile workers.

Factory owners called the police, leading to the dispersal of the mob. Goti emphasized the impact of unrest on timely delivery of orders, stating that the industry had not been operating well due to the LPG shortage. DCP Zala confirmed the situation was under control, with all factories now operational and intensified police patrols.