A garbage collection vehicle driver was allegedly assaulted by striking sanitation workers in Hisar. The attack happened during ongoing protests, and the group also damaged other vehicles used for door-to-door garbage collection on Saturday.
Driver attacked near Malik Chowk during sanitation strike
The incident took place near Malik Chowk. According to the driver's account, a group of people surrounded his garbage collection vehicle, threatened him, and then attacked him. The driver reported that around 20 to 25 people arrived on nearly 15 motorcycles and began hurling abuses at him before the assault.
The protesters did not stop at the attack on the driver. They also damaged other vehicles that were engaged in door-to-door garbage collection activity in the area, disrupting the service for residents.
Police investigation and medical report after the attack
Following the assault, the driver went to the Civil Hospital, where a medico-legal report (MLR) was prepared to document his injuries. He also recorded his statement with the police, providing details of the attack and those involved.
An investigation has been launched into the matter. The police are also examining the CCTV footage of the incident to identify the attackers and understand exactly what happened near Malik Chowk.
"A group of people surrounded a garbage collection vehicle and threatened the driver and attacked him." — Original story report
What this means for sanitation services in Hisar
The attack highlights the tension between striking sanitation workers and the ongoing garbage collection operations in Hisar. While workers are protesting, the city still needs door-to-door collection to continue, and this incident shows how the strike has turned violent in at least one instance.
The damage to vehicles and the assault on the driver could disrupt waste collection services further, leaving residents with uncollected garbage while the situation is resolved.
Our Take: Violence is not the answer to a labour dispute
To put it plainly, attacking a driver who is simply doing his job crosses a clear line. Striking workers have every right to protest for better conditions, but threatening and assaulting colleagues who are not on strike is unacceptable.
The police investigation and CCTV review are the right steps. What matters now is that those responsible are held accountable, and that the underlying dispute between sanitation workers and authorities is resolved through dialogue — not through violence on the streets of Hisar.
Residents depend on garbage collection for their daily health and hygiene. Disrupting that service with threats and damage only hurts the public, and it undermines whatever legitimate grievances the striking workers may have.