PM Modi is concerned about violence at Wistron iPhone factory, says Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa

The Centre has stepped into the probe into violence that erupted over alleged unpaid dues to workers

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over the recent violence at Wistron iPhone factory in Kolar," Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Yediyurappa said the state government would extend all support to the company for it to carry out its operations safely. “The government has initiated action. The incident was unfortunate and the state government would take all measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” Yediyurappa said.

Last week, violence erupted at the Wistron factory premises at its Narasapura plant in Kolar. The incident was said to have been triggered over unpaid dues to workers. The police have arrested over 140 people in connection with the incident."

The Centre has also stepped in with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) asking the government to complete its inquiry into the incident at the earliest.

State Labour Minister Shivaram Hebbar on Wednesday had said investigations into the violence were on and a report was likely in a couple of days. He expressed hope about the factory restarting production soon with the central government also involved in addressing issues.

The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry has advised the state government to complete inquiry into the violence at the earliest and to ensure that investor sentiment was not affected by this one-off incident.

Meanwhile, state Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai in a tweet has said the Police has taken prompt action in connection with the incident and arrested 164 people. "The Wistron company which said Rs 437 crore loss earlier, now has in writing (said) that loss is Rs 43 crore, therefore, some international media is blowing (it) out of proportion," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)