On Tuesday, over 1,000 migrant workers deprived of jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis and they came out in large numbers near the Bandra station completely defying the social distancing norm. Within two hours, they were dispersed using the police force.
While the incident may have hindered the containment plans of the government in the city of Mumbai that has recorded the highest number of cases in the country. The incident also sheds light on the mismanagement in the handling of the migrant issue. Here are the 10 things to know about the incident.
Rumors that triggered the incident
A rumor was circulated on social media that there have been special train arrangements made for the migrant workers to return back to their homes. Most of them rushed to the Bandra station after believing the rumors.
Most Of them were from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
Most Migrant workers who gathered at the Bandra station were from either Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal. It is because a large chunk of workers in Mumbai come from these states.
Laborers desperate to return home
The Laborers spoke to the media and expressed their problem of not having enough money to survive in the city for 20 more days. The laborers said that they are desperate to go back home. Earlier in Delhi, people began walking hundreds of kilometers back home.
Police resorts to Lathi Charge
The police, unable to disperse the crowd, finally resorted to lathi charge. After two hours of the gathering, the police were successful in dispersing the crowd.
FIR against 700 people
Meanwhile, the police have filed FIRs against 700 unidentified people of violating the lockdown code and possibly helping the spread of an epidemic disease.
One person detained for spreading rumors
An Airoli resident has been detained for uploading a video to social media which spread the rumor of special trains being arranged.
Political Blame Game
Soon after the reports of the incident broke out, Aditya Thackeray blamed the incident on the central’s government’s mishandling of the migrant issue as they failed to arrange transport for the stranded laborers. Similarly, Devendra Fadnavis and other BJP leaders blamed the Shiv Sena for its failure to maintain lockdown and thereby not able to contain the spread.
Amit Shah Phone Call
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah called up the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray and spoke about the incident and the migrant situation in the state. The Home Minister offered his full support to the state in its fight.
Uddhav Thackeray address
Within hours of the incident, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray came live on all social media platforms and took the migrants into confidence. He asked them to maintain discipline for two weeks after which arrangements will be made to ensure they return home.
Investigation under process
Meanwhile, the investigation of alleged rumor that triggered the incident is ongoing and Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has asked the state to take strict actions against the culprits.
Source: Hindustan Times
