Mohali, Sept. 25 — A clash broke out Wednesday morning between residents and migrant workers in a Dhakoli housing society after the entry gate was locked to restrict the workers’ passage, police informed Thursday.
Residents alleged the daily-wage labourers, employed by local contractors and living in temporary jhuggis nearby, often consumed alcohol and fought among themselves inside the society, creating an unsafe environment. “Despite repeated requests, contractors did not provide a separate access route for the labourers,” society president Vijender Singh said.
Singh said the dispute escalated around 8:50 a.m. when the contractor arrived to discuss the situation. “The workers attacked us. My differently abled friend was injured and referred to GMCH-32. They tried to hit us with sticks and rods. We even called the PCR but asked them to leave to avoid further escalation,” he said, adding that the absence of CCTV cameras in the society made monitoring difficult.
ASI Harjinder Singh said police have begun investigating the incident and assured that “appropriate legal action” will be taken based on the residents’ complaint.
Authorities are reviewing measures to prevent such confrontations and are coordinating with contractors to ensure safer access arrangements for both residents and workers.
