Surat: A chaotic situation erupted this morning at the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) plant in Hazira, Surat’s industrial hub, after workers deployed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) suddenly stopped work and went on strike.

The unrest reportedly intensified after videos of an ongoing dispute involving L&T workers in Panipat went viral on WhatsApp, triggering anger among workers at the Hazira facility. The agitation quickly escalated, with some workers allegedly vandalising vehicles and setting a few of them on fire inside the premises. At least three firefighting vehicles were reportedly damaged, while four two-wheelers were set ablaze.

Workers Protest at AMNS Hazira Plant; Vehicles Vandalised, Set Ablazehttps://t.co/cFaQGMbuEt pic.twitter.com/UYNPsFA5Nw

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Senior company officials rushed to the site to pacify the workers and initiate discussions. However, the sudden outburst by a large crowd created chaos within the plant premises for some time, with workers initially unwilling to engage in dialogue.

In view of the volatile situation, heavy police deployment was made at the plant. Teams from the Crime Branch and the Special Operations Group (SOG) also reached the spot to maintain law and order. To disperse the mob, police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired over 30 tear gas shells. Authorities confirmed that more than 20 workers have been detained so far in connection with the violence.

DCP Zone 7 Shefali Barwal (IPS) told the media, “For the past two days, there has been ongoing unrest among L&T workers in Panipat, where several clashes occurred. Following this, WhatsApp videos went viral this morning among AMNS and L&T workers here in Hazira. Consequently, around 1,000 to 2,000 labourers gathered today. Our police officers were already present at the scene and made significant efforts to explain that their concerns would be heard and that the company would also sit down to discuss the issues with them. However, when the situation escalated and stone pelting began, we immediately initiated police action. As a result of the swift action, we have apprehended nearly 20 individuals. Further proceedings will follow with the registration of an FIR.”

Regarding the scale of the police response and the damage caused, she stated, “We have fired more than 35 tear gas shells. So far, we are aware of damage to one private vehicle within the campus, though more details may emerge as the investigation continues.”

The officer also confirmed that injuries were reported during the incident.

Meanwhile, AMNS, in an official statement, said, “A group of workers deployed by L&T at the AM/NS India Hazira plant project site gathered today to raise certain demands with their employer, L&T. L&T management is expeditiously handling the situation in discussion with the workers. Local authorities are also involved in managing the situation on the ground.” DeshGujarat