Assam: Protest erupts at highway project office in Dhubri following assault incident

Tensions prevailed at the Pratapganj office of J Infratech Ltd. in Assam’s Dhubri after drivers and workers staged a protest against the company management over an alleged assault on a driver and a series of labour-related grievances.

The protest was triggered by an incident that reportedly took place inside the company premises, where a driver was allegedly assaulted by a youth who later fled the scene. According to protesting workers, the matter was immediately reported to company authorities, including the project manager, but no action was allegedly taken against the accused.

Workers accused the management of failing to ensure the safety and security of employees within the office premises. Protesters claimed that despite informing the authorities about the incident, the company did not intervene or initiate any formal response.

The agitation later intensified into a broader protest against the Gurugram-based construction firm, which is currently engaged in the construction work of National Highway 127B in the region.

Employees participating in the protest alleged that workers were being made to work between 14 and 16 hours daily under difficult conditions. They further claimed that overtime payments were delayed regularly and alleged that the quality of food provided to workers was poor. Protesters also raised concerns regarding the absence of a proper work-life schedule.

The workers demanded an apology for the assaulted driver and sought a written assurance from the company regarding corrective measures to address the alleged labour law violations and workplace concerns.

As of May 12 afternoon, the management of J Infratech Ltd. had not issued any official statement on the alleged assault or the allegations related to unpaid overtime and working conditions. Protesters, however, maintained that they would continue their agitation until their demands were addressed.