Maruti to resume production at riot-hit Manesar plant next week, 500 workers sacked

NEW DELHI: Automobile major Maruti Suzuki has announced its decision to resume production at the violence-hit Manesar plant from August 21. Also, the main accused in the riot that led to the closure was arrested on 15th August, almost a month after the incident.

Moreover, 500 workers have also been sacked by the company for being involved in violence in which a senior HR manager was killed and the incident left several others injured.

Haryana government will also provide 40 personal security guards to Maruti employees for an indefinite period. Under additional security measures, the company will also employ 100 former defence forces personnel under its direct supervision.

Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava said, “We will not hire contract workers from contractors. Contract workers will be taken as permanent and we will reduce number of contract workers gradually. These are about 500 people who have been sacked. Some of the security guards of Maruti will be armed. Three hundred workers will start working on August 21. We will start with 150 cars a day.”

Yesterday, the police arrested the main accused of the riots Jiya Lal. As per the workers' allegation, the supervisor had made casteist remark against Jiya Lal which led to a petty quarrel and then turned to violence at the plant.