Maruti Suzuki workers clash at plant

Workers at Maruti Suzuki's plant in Manesar in Haryana's Gurgaon district clashed on Saturday over the recent increase in wages of some employees, police said. Two former employees, who were sacked earlier for violence, were arrested for rioting, while more than 500 people have been booked.

Regular and casual workers at the plant clashed after the casual workers staged a protest at the main gate. Police intervened and a few workers were injured following a baton-charge.

Around 1,000 casual workers alleged that their union leaders reached an agreement with the company management ignoring their interests. They said their salaries were not increased despite working and performing like the permanent employees.

Two former employees -- Khushi Ram and Jitender, who hail from Bhiwani and Rewari districts -- were arrested, police said, adding that more people involved in the clash will be arrested soon.

Both were employees at the plant but were sacked after the July 2012 violence in which a company executive was killed and nearly 100 people were injured.

They have been arrested on charges of rioting, unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

It was not immediately known which side the two were on -- regular or casual workers.

"Casual workers did not get any benefit in the recent increase in wages," a protestor said.

Over 1,000 personnel from the third battalion of the India Reserve Battalion have been deployed in the factory, an official said. The situation was tense but under control. - IANS