Worker’s suicide sparks unrest, vandalism at Hindalco plant near Belagavi

Belagavi: Tension gripped Hindalco Industries’ plant on the outskirts of the city Wednesday after a 31-year-old worker allegedly died by suicide inside the premises, triggering unrest and vandalism by employees.The deceased, Shankar Talavar, a resident of Mutyanatti village, had been working at the plant for the past six years.Following the death, hundreds of agitated workers damaged property inside the plant, alleging harassment and unfair treatment by the management and labour contractors.As tensions escalated, police commissioner Bhushan Borase and senior officials rushed to the spot. A heavy police force was deployed to restore order and initiate an investigation into the death.According to reports, Shankar had shared a WhatsApp message with friends before his death, expressing distress over employment issues and contract allocations at the factory. In the message, he reportedly apologised to his family and claimed to have lost Rs 5 lakh after falling victim to a job agent who had promised to regularise his employment.During discussions with police officials, workers raised several grievances, including a lack of basic amenities and alleged unfair behaviour by the management and labour contractors.

Spread over 1,182 acres, the Hindalco facility near Belagavi houses an alumina plant, an alumina research centre, and a carbon paste unit.DC meets officials & kin; announces reliefAmid unrest at Hindalco Industrie, DC Mohammad Roshan and MLA Asif Sait met company officials, the victim’s family and employee representatives Wednesday evening. Addressing workers after the meeting, the DC said the company will provide immediate regular employment to the deceased worker’s two brothers.

He added that the company has agreed to pay compensation to the bereaved family, with MLA Asif Sait extending additional financial assistance.

On employment concerns in Mutyanatti and nearby villages, the DC said officials have been asked to prepare a list of unemployed youth with their educational qualifications. Suitable candidates will be considered for jobs through more than 100 labour contractors engaged by the company in the coming days.