Following FIR against three industrialists, bizmen meet to chalk out course of action

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 14

Local industry has received a jolt following registration of an FIR against three leading industrialists on the Bagadurke road under several sections of the IPC. A meeting of industrialists was held here today in this connection to decide next course of action. A few industrialists reportedly met the Commissioner of Police (CP) on the FIR issue.

One of the members of the textile association, on condition of anonymity said the industry could not be at loggerheads with the Income Tax (I-T) Department.

“At the same time, association members have to present a united picture. Leaders went ahead to prove that they were with the owners on whom I-T surveys were conducted. There are different versions on the particular incident. But they should not have interfered in the working of I-T officials and things could have been discussed afterwards,” he said.

“Many of us are thinking of holding protests/strikes from Tuesday onwards against registration of the FIR while few others maintain that the I-T Chief Commissioner should be contacted and industrialists should apprise him of their view,” he added.

“Another meeting will be held tomorrow on the Bahadurke road to discuss the matter,” he said.

Industrialists, who were speaking “loud” against the I-T Department till yesterday are mum on the issue following registration of FIRs against three persons. While some said the I-T Department’s approach was arbitrary others maintained that so called leaders should not have interfered in its working.

It may be mentioned here that the FIR has been lodged at the Salem Tabri police station on Saturday by the I-T Department against main perpetrators and 30 to 40 unknown persons, who had entered the Veer Garments premises where survey was underway and disrupted its proceeding by obstructing a team of officials from doing their duty, intimidating them, threatening them to stop the survey that was being carried out under the due process, snatching away the mobile phone of the survey team leader, destructing evidence, calling factory workers, instigating a mob and inciting violence.

An FIR was registered under Sections 353, 109, 186, 201, 332,379 B and 506 of the IPC against those behind the incident.