Dehradun Sanitation Workers Launch Indefinite Strike Following Alleged Assault Incident
Sanitation workers employed by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation have declared an indefinite strike commencing Friday. This drastic action follows serious allegations made by a female staff member who claims she was physically assaulted by a councillor on Thursday during a dispute over cleaning responsibilities in the Basant Vihar area.
Allegations of Physical Violence and Intimidation
The incident centers around Maya, a 44-year-old sanitation employee with a decade of service. According to her account, Panditwadi councillor Abhishek Tiwari demanded during roll call that she clear accumulated dog excreta from a drain. Maya stated she requested guidance from her supervisor and suggested, along with other staff members, that pet owners should be held responsible for such cleaning duties.
Tiwari allegedly became aggressive and physically assaulted her, pushing her to the ground and causing a serious injury to her right wrist. Following the incident, Maya filed a formal complaint at the Vasant Vihar police station. She further claimed she received threats of removal from her position.
Workers' Protest and Union Demands
In response to the alleged assault, sanitation workers staged a protest outside the Dehradun Municipal Corporation office on Thursday evening. Sonu Khairwal, the union president, revealed that this was not an isolated incident, stating Tiwari had harassed staff members in the past.
"Two months ago, he threatened three personnel and we submitted a complaint with the commissioner's office, after which he apologised," Khairwal explained. "This is no way for a councillor to behave. We demand his removal and strict action by the authorities."
The union has called for a complete work boycott starting Friday, potentially disrupting city cleanliness operations.
Councillor's Denial and Municipal Response
Councillor Abhishek Tiwari has categorically denied all allegations against him. He presented a different version of events, stating he merely shared a supervisor's contact number with a resident who needed work done.
"The supervisor may have directed her to act, but her refusal led to a complaint against her," Tiwari claimed. "During roll call, she complained, but there was no assault. These allegations are entirely false and CCTV footage will confirm this."
Municipal authorities have intervened to manage the escalating situation. DMC commissioner Namami Bansal addressed the matter, stating, "Filing a police complaint is the staff's prerogative and an investigation will clarify whether the claims are true or false. We have extended support to the victim and are taking steps to ensure that city cleanliness is not disrupted."
Commissioner Bansal confirmed that municipal officials will meet with a sanitation workers' delegation on Friday in an attempt to resolve the conflict before the strike causes significant disruption to Dehradun's sanitation services.
