A Christmas day celebration by migrant workers turned violent at Kizhakkambalam area, in Ernakulam district on Saturday night. Two groups of migrant workers, who work in Kitex company, clashed with each other during Christmas Carol in the area.
At least five policemen, including SHO, were injured as the workers turned against the police while they were trying to defuse the situation.
Police informed the reports that the clashes broke out after some labourers engaged in a verbal fight after getting drunk. The violent mob burned a police jeep and destroyed three others. They also hurled stones at locals who reached hearing the commotion.
According to reports, as many as 150 migrant labourers have been taken into custody and are being questioned. The accused were arrested by around 4 in the morning. More police personnel have been deployed in the area.
"Our first assumption is that the clashes broke out under the influence of alcohol. The police arrived here in teams and they were attacked by the workers by pelting stones. The situation is now under control. There is no law and order issue at present. The officers who were attacked are stable. We have divided the teams to investigate the issue. The complaints from locals about issues they face will also be investigated," said K Karthik, Rural SP.
