Masked men assault Samdruptse Ropeway construction workers

NAMCHI, 16 June: Nine labourers engaged in the ropeway project at Samdruptse in South Sikkim were allegedly attacked by a group of masked men at 9:30 p.m. Sunday night.

The labourers are employed with Kolkata-based Damodar Ropeway & Infra Limited which is constructing the ropeway connecting Namchi bazaar to Samdruptse.  The labourers were attacked by the group of masked men at Rock Garden near Chaam Gaon, Namchi where they are camped.

As learnt from the company officials, the attack was reported to Namchi Police which reached the spot with the company officials where they found the injured workers. They were immediately rushed to District Hospital Namchi.

Some of the labourers have suffered grievous injuries and may not be able to work for an indefinite time said one of the company officials. The attackers fled from the spot after the incident and since they were wearing masks they could not be identified, it is informed.

The incident took place at the labor camp of the company at Rock Garden where a ropeway station has been constructed; the miscreants also damaged the building, it is informed. All the laborers were shifted to the Namchi construction site of the company for their safety. Most of them have suffered fractures or head injuries. The motive behind the attack is still not known.

Among the injured are Biranche Pradhan, Bidesh Pradhan and Mithun Malik of Ashatarang village, Orissa, Santune Behara, Prakash Kandey and Bhappi Kandhi of Kakatpur village Orissa, Santanu Das and Rajesh Behera of Jaralingay village, Orissa and Indrajeet Golla of Ramachandra Pura village, Orissa.

As per the company, they do not have any dispute with anyone. Police have registered the case against unknown persons under section 448/323, 427/34 of IPC at Namchi Police Station and investigation has begun. No arrest has been made so far.