Jamshedpur: Tensions escalated in the Steel City after Jaikishore Singh, president of the Jamshedpur Local Trailer Owners’ Union, was allegedly attacked on two consecutive days — first on Tuesday evening and again on Wednesday morning — in what he claims were planned assaults by individuals linked to vendor companies ahead of the union’s proposed indefinite strike from today.
Singh sustained serious injuries in both incidents and was later admitted to MGM Hospital. He has accused company official Ajit Verma and certain Tata Steel vendor companies of orchestrating the attacks to derail the agitation over drivers’ wages and freight rates.
Tuesday Evening Attack
According to Singh, the first attack took place on Tuesday evening when he stepped out of the union office in the Burmamines area. He alleged that around 20 men were already lying in wait.
The assailants allegedly threatened him with a pistol and, when he refused to back down, struck him on the head with the butt of the firearm. He suffered head injuries in the assault.
Singh claims the attack was meant to intimidate him and force the union to withdraw its call for an indefinite strike starting February 11.
Wednesday Assault with Sticks
Less than 24 hours later, Singh was again targeted. On Wednesday morning, when he reached the Burmamines parking area along with supporters, a group of men allegedly linked to vendor companies confronted him.
Witnesses said a verbal altercation quickly escalated into violence. The attackers allegedly slapped him and ordered him to vacate the area before launching a brutal assault with sticks and rods.
A video of the incident circulating locally reportedly shows Singh being surrounded and beaten in broad daylight. He was allegedly struck repeatedly by two to three assailants and collapsed following the assault. He was rushed to MGM Hospital in a car as his condition worsened.
Drivers present at the scene were reportedly too frightened to intervene.
“A Planned Attack to Crush the Movement”
Speaking from the hospital, Singh accused company official Ajit Verma and certain vendor companies of being behind the assaults. “I am directly accusing company official Ajit Verma and some vendor companies. This attack was pre-planned. It was a bloody game played to weaken our movement and intimidate the drivers. The attackers surrounded me and beat me brutally,” Singh said.
He further questioned the role of the administration and police in the matter. “Serious questions are now being raised about the administration. This incident has put a big question mark on the functioning of Jamshedpur Police. SSP sir, will industrial disputes in the city now be settled through street violence?” he added.
Strike Over Wage and Freight Demands
The Jamshedpur Local Trailer Owners Union is primarily demanding the implementation of a minimum wage for approximately 7,000 drivers and the establishment of fair, standardized freight rates for goods transport.
Additionally, the union leadership has voiced strong opposition to what they describe as unfair financial burdens, specifically protesting against mandatory parking fees and requirements to deposit money under the guise of medical expenses.
They have called for an immediate end to these practices, characterizing them as forced extortion, and have stated that their indefinite “Chakka Jam” and semi-nude protests will continue until Tata Steel management and its vendor companies address these grievances.
The union is demanding:
- Implementation of minimum wages for drivers
- Fair freight rates for goods transportation
- An end to alleged unauthorized parking charges
- Stoppage of forced collections in the name of medical funds
Union leaders allege that repeated appeals to Tata Steel management and associated vendor companies yielded no results, prompting the agitation.
“Planned Attempt to Crush Movement”
Speaking from the hospital, Singh described both incidents as a “planned attempt to crush the movement and terrorise drivers.”
“Fearing the impact of the strike, they attacked me. They beat me with sticks and even threatened me with a pistol. But we will not sit silent. Our indefinite strike will continue,” he said.
Law and Order Questions
The back-to-back attacks have raised serious concerns about law and order in Jamshedpur’s industrial areas. Union members have questioned how such incidents could occur openly without immediate police intervention.
There has been no official statement yet from the accused companies or officials. Police are expected to investigate the matter, including reviewing video evidence related to Wednesday’s assault.
The twin attacks have further heightened tensions in the industrial corridor, with the strike likely to intensify the standoff between transporters and vendor companies.
