Workers storm realtor’s office over dues

Agitating construction labourers turned violent on Saturday morning and set afire around four vehicles besides damaging a real estate developer’s site office in Sector 108. They were protesting against the alleged non-payment of wages for the past few months.

Agitating construction labourers turned violent on Saturday morning and set afire around four vehicles besides damaging a real estate developer’s site office in Sector 108. They were protesting against the alleged non-payment of wages for the past few months.

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Senior police officers said the protesters resorted to violence after the security guards at the under construction site fired in the air to disperse the mob but bullets injured two protesters.

The incident happened at an under-construction residential complex being developed by the 3C Company. To contain the agitating workers, Provincial Armed Constabulary and police force from four police stations in Noida were pressed into service. The restive workers set ablaze two cars and two motorbikes parked outside the office. They also caused damage to the company’s computers, laptops and glass panes.

According to a senior police officer, “Around 1,000 workers were queuing up at the construction site when Mohammed Rafeeq, a mason, was pushed by someone. This broke the queue. Guard Manoj Pandey objected to workers’ behaviour and this caused the brawl. Workers tried to enter the site. The situation turned ugly when the guard opened fire to disperse them.”

The police said clash lasted for around 30 minutes.

Four people, including security guards Manoj Pandey and Anil Kumar have been arrested.

“The situation is now under control as police forces have been deployed on the site,” said SSP Preetinder Singh.