Factory workers assaulted in Machohalli village after smoking outside unit

Smoking a beedi outside a factory proved costly for a 25-year-old worker who was allegedly assaulted by four men near an electroplating unit in Machohalli village in the Madanayakanahalli Police Station limits on Wednesday.

The accused allegedly returned with nearly 10 more associates and barged into the factory premises to assault workers for calling the police helpline for assistance. Based on a complaint on Friday, the police registered a case.

According to the complaint filed by Abhisheak Gowda, 27, an employee at Laxmidevi Electro Plate Factory in Machohalli village of Dasanapura Hobli, the incident took place on May 20 between 8.30 p.m. and 8.45 p.m.

Gowda stated that he and six other workers were engaged in their regular duties when one of the workers, identified as Afsar, stepped outside the factory premises to smoke a beedi. Moments later, Afsar allegedly ran back into the factory shouting for help.

The complainant alleged that four unidentified men confronted Afsar outside the factory, accused him of smoking ganja, and demanded ganja from him. When he denied, the accused allegedly punched him in the face and assaulted him.

Abhisheak immediately dialled 112 seeking police assistance. However, before the police arrived, the accused allegedly fled from the spot.

The complaint further stated that shortly afterwards, the same group returned along with several others, taking the total number of assailants to around 14 to 15 persons. The accused allegedly abused the workers for informing the police and assaulted Abhisheak, Afsar, and another worker identified as Yashas.

The attackers used metal sheets available inside the factory premises to assault the workers, causing injuries. They also allegedly threatened to kill the workers for reporting the incident to police.

The injured workers were later shifted to hospital. The police have registered a case under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 351(2), 352, and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and have launched further investigation to identify and trace the accused.