Gurgaon Police Nab Six More in IMT Manesar Vandalism Case, Expose WhatsApp Conspiracy
In a significant development, Gurgaon police on Monday arrested six alleged conspirators linked to the April 9 vandalism at IMT Manesar, which erupted during protests by industrial workers demanding higher wages. With these arrests, the total number of individuals held in the case has now climbed to 70, as authorities intensify their crackdown on the violence that shook the industrial belt.
WhatsApp Chats Reveal Larger Plot to Incite Arson and Violence
According to police officials, a deeper conspiracy has been unearthed through WhatsApp chats, suggesting plans to set factories ablaze using petrol bombs. Investigators revealed that the accused not only participated in the destructive acts but also actively instigated contractual workers to engage in arson, stone-pelting, and assaults across multiple industrial units during the protest.
Police emphasized that most of those arrested had no employment ties with companies in Gurgaon, labeling them as "external conspirators" who infiltrated the protests to escalate tensions. The individuals apprehended have been identified as Aakash from Rohtak, Pintu Kumar Yadav from Bihar, Shyambeer from Uttar Pradesh, Ajit Singh from Haryana, and Raju Singh and Harish Chand from Uttarakhand.
Provocative Messages and Police Warnings
Police spokesperson Sandeep Turan stated that the accused repeatedly provoked workers to commit vandalism, arson, and attacks on police personnel and company staff. In a screenshot of a WhatsApp chat shared with sources, one accused was quoted as saying, "Kam se kam 10 bottle petrol company ki taraf pheko. (Throw at least 10 bottles of petrol towards the company)." Another message urged, "Sab raat ka intezaar karo, jaise hi raat ho jaaye, company mein aag laga do (wait till night, set company ablaze then)."
On Monday, police issued an appeal to workers, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to instigation by outsiders. A police officer advised, "If any non-worker attempts to vitiate the atmosphere or provoke unrest, the information should be shared with the police immediately." The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests anticipated as authorities delve deeper into the case.
Background of the April 9 Violence
The incident dates back to April 9, when contractual workers turned violent during protests for higher wages at multiple units in IMT Manesar. This led to the arrest of 55 people, including around 20 women, and the registration of two FIRs. One FIR, filed on a complaint by Richa Global Exports, invoked attempt to murder charges against 11 individuals, while another was based on a complaint by Modelama Exports. Subsequently, approximately seven to eight more people were arrested and charged with attempt to murder.
Police reported that agitators vandalized vehicles, damaged factory property, set a police motorcycle on fire, and clashed with personnel deployed at the site. The protest escalated despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, with over 1,000 workers assembling across industrial units in Manesar.
Premeditated Disruption and Ongoing Security Measures
Investigators had earlier flagged the involvement of certain labour groups and external elements in instigating the violence. Monday's arrests substantiate these claims, pointing to a premeditated attempt to trigger large-scale disruption in the industrial belt. Police have reiterated that security remains tightened across IMT Manesar, with maintaining law and order as a top priority. Efforts are also underway to address workers' grievances through administrative and industry-level interventions.
Separate Protest on Delhi-Agra Highway
In a related development, employees of a private company, predominantly women, blocked the Delhi-Agra National Highway near Palwal's Prithla on Monday. They demanded wages in line with government-mandated norms, causing hours-long traffic disruptions. Demonstrators expressed frustration over their long-pending demand for higher wages, citing inadequate pay that makes it difficult to meet household expenses.
Police and local authorities intervened, engaging with the protesters. Palwal city magistrate Preeti Rawat assured them that the order on minimum wages would be enforced as per government norms and warned of strict action in cases of misconduct involving women workers. Following assurances and negotiations, the blockade was lifted, and traffic resumed.
