Guards open fire at protesting workers in Noida,2 injured

Four security guards have been arrested,police said.

“Extra police personnel were deployed at the construction site through the day,” a senior officer said.

According to police,nearly 1,000 workers gathered near the site office of the real estate project and began protesting against wages not being paid.

“In an effort to disperse them,the security guards fired shots in the air,but two persons were hit,” an officer said.

The injured have been identified as Jinarul (15) and Mohammed Alam. While Jinarul sustained a bullet wound in his left leg,Alam was hit on the neck.

“Jinarul is recovering at the district hospital in Noida,Alam has been admitted to the Yatarth Hospital in Greater Noida,” the officer said.

As news of shooting spread,labourers set fire to several vehicles and damaged the company’s site office.

“Three cars,three motorcycles,two scooters and six cycles were set on fire. The crowd also entered the site office and smashed computers,tables and chairs,” the officer said.

Preetinder Singh,Senior Superintendent of Police,said,“Police Armed Constabulary was sent to the spot and will be deployed there for the time being. We are attempting to mediate between the workers and the management. A case has been registered under appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code against four security guards who have been arrested. No complaint has been received regarding the damage to the property. If we receive one,we will investigate it.”

Representatives of the company said while the incident took place at their construction site,they had no role to play in the dispute.

“A contractor had been hired to bring in labourers,and non-payment of wages concerns him,not the firm. Guards are employees of a private security agency. The firm has no role in the matter. We are currently assessing the damage to property. The management will then decide on further course of action,” a company representative said.