PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Sanitation workers in the city protested outside the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) on Friday after announcing a complete boycott of work, alleging that a woman worker was assaulted by the local councillor in Dehradun’s Panditwari area.
The decision was taken by the Rashtriya Safai Karmachari Mazdoor Union following an incident it claimed occurred on Thursday. The Panditwari councillor Abhishek Tiwari allegedly used abusive language against a female sanitation worker. He allegedly assaulted her when she objected.
The union said that a written complaint against Tiwari has been filed at the Vasant Vihar police station. The matter has also been reported to mayor Saurabh Thapliyal and municipal commissioner Namami Bansal, along with other senior officials of the MCD.
The union has demanded strict legal action against the councillor, including registration of a case and other measures. Union president Sunil Kumar said that the sanitation services would remain suspended until action is taken. Kumar added that if authorities fail to respond, the boycott could escalate into a full strike and any disruption in sanitation services would be the administration’s responsibility.
The woman worker, identified as Maya, alleged that the councillor had been threatening staff during duty hours for the past four to five months. She claimed that he used abusive language and made derogatory remarks. She further alleged that he grabbed and twisted her hand, causing injury.
Deputy municipal commissioner Tanvir Marwah said that the MCD has taken note of the matter. He said that the issue has been discussed with the association and that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.
