A protest by nearly 2,000 contract workers employed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at a steel plant site in Hazira turned violent, leading to clashes with police and the use of tear gas to control the situation.
The workers had gathered to demand higher wages, shorter duty hours and improved working conditions. According to reports, the labourers said they had been raising concerns about low pay and long shifts for some time but had not received a satisfactory response. As tensions rose, the protest escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement.
Police said they initially tried to disperse the crowd through announcements and persuasion. However, when sections of the gathering allegedly began stone-pelting and blocking access roads near the plant, officers fired tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.
During the violence, several vehicles were set on fire and damaged. Police vehicles were also targeted. Thick smoke was seen near the plant site as chaos spread across parts of the industrial area. Both workers and police personnel sustained minor injuries in the clashes, and some were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities later deployed additional forces in and around the plant to prevent further unrest. Police officials said they would identify and take action against those involved in arson and vandalism.
Hazira, located near Surat, is a major industrial hub with large infrastructure and manufacturing projects underway. The incident has once again highlighted concerns around contract labour conditions in heavy industry projects, particularly regarding pay scales and work hours.
Also Read: Yogi Adityanath invites Japanese investment in UP
