A major protest erupted in Sri Ganganagar on Wednesday (March) after Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) leaders were allegedly manhandled and beaten by the police at Rajiyasar police station.

The incident occurred after a clash between labour union leaders and the management of Shri Cement Bangar factory in Suratgarh over claims of unlawful production in a facility that had been officially shut down.

Sources indicate that the dispute started when the factory’s management attempted to restart operations despite the closure. CITU leaders objected, alleging that workers were being compelled to work in unsafe conditions, prompting the management to call the police.

In the name of mediation, the police took the union leaders to Rajiyasar police station, where they were allegedly assaulted.

Angered by the incident, CITU activists staged a massive demonstration outside the offices of the Superintendent of Police and the District Collector in Sri Ganganagar, demanding immediate action against the police personnel involved. The protesters insisted on the registration of an FIR against those responsible for the assault.

Workers from across the district gathered at Nehru Garden in Sri Ganganagar for a public meeting, where several union leaders addressed the gathering.

Among those who spoke were CITU State President Congress Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, CITU State General Secretary VS Rana, Ganganagar District President Mohanlal, General Secretary Har Kewal Deep Singh, and CITU State Secretary Jagseer Singh.

They condemned the attack on union leaders and vowed to continue their struggle for workers’ rights.