Cauvery water row: Be alert, Karnataka may erupt on Sept 19, say Intel agencies

Bengaluru: Watch out for September 19. A reported specific warning from multiple Intelligence agencies to the state government for September 19, when the Cauvery Supervisory Committee will meet to decide on the quantum of water that should be released to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry from the Cauvery basin, has tightened the noose around the state administration, which failed to secure the IT City from Monday violence.

“The state government should make adequate and foolproof security arrangements for the September 19 meeting. The security situation in Karnataka is fragile and the smallest trigger can be catastrophic for the people and the government. The Intel had warned the state that there were efforts to replay the 1991 Cauvery riots on September 9. The government and the police should have made stringent preparations to counter any fallout of the Supreme Court verdict on Monday and for the next fortnight. There should have been a timely deployment of central forces, which should be asked to stay till the state returns to normal. The government was initially soft on the agitators, who had assured that they would stage peaceful protests at the injustice to Karnataka and the police also took it easy, but later the mobs took to streets and things went out of control,” said an officer on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, the name of a fringe group of Right Wing women activists has reportedly surfaced in Monday’s arson. “There is information that some arsonists, who were identified and arrested reportedly, told the police that they owed allegiance to the fringe women’s group, which has Right Wing leanings. This information, however, needs to be confirmed for surveillance,” he added.

‘IT company makes staff work for late hours’
Robin Thomas, an IT professional has accused a private company named ‘24/7’ for forcing its employees to work beyond office hours. The complainant took to social media site Facebook and wrote, “When most of Bengarulu companies are concerned about their employee’s safety, here is one that keeps their employees over-work without letting them go home. In the light of incidents where the mob has attacked company’s working during strikes, this company should be penalized.”

When DC contacted Robin Thomas, he said, “The Company by name 24/7, located at Prestige Tech Park in Kadubeesanahalli. Not only one employee but many were stuck in the office.”

He further said, “When the company had a window to send then home at around 5 pm yesterday, they didn’t and made them wait till 10 pm. As the situation became tense no buses or cabs were plying on roads. So employees had no other option apart from staying back which they did and continued working.”

The company policy strictly forbids against the usage of personal phone, so the employees inside don't exactly know the situation outside. “When most employees of other companies made it back home early at around 6 or 7 pm to avoid the effects of strike on Monday, this company chose to retain employees and kept them working. I wonder the working mothers and parents who never got to leave that office,” added Thomas. When DC tried to contact the company there was no response from them.

 24/7 firm in their reply has refuted the charges by Robin Thomas. The company spokesperson called the allegations baseless. 

In an official statement, the company clarified, “We at 24/7, well being and safety of our people is at the heart of our business operations. In the light of recent developments in Bengaluru, we have strongly advised our colleagues to consider their personal safety above all and have made all arrangements to ensure secure travel. We have also taken several steps to ensure their comfort and convenience should they have to stay back as a result of disruptions in the city. We are a reputed Bengaluru-based organization and a responsible corporate citizen. We participate in local community events regularly and undertake several CSR initiatives. We are known for our people-centricity. In any situation, we continue to have employee welfare and safety as our highest priorities.”

Moreover, Thomas is nowhere associated with 24/7 Inc. in any capacity, said the official release.

Agitators target farmhouse of Karunanidhi’s daughter
The members of the Samata Sainik Dal tried to lay siege to the farmhouse belonging to former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi’s daughter S. Selvi, at Vaderahalli village in Harohalli Hobli of Kanakapura taluk in Ramanagar on Tuesday.

Over 50 activists of the organisation tried to enter the farm house. However, the jurisdictional police, who had already made security arrangements anticipating trouble, foiled their attempt. Verbal duel ensued between the agitators and the policemen, when they were stopped.

The agitators demanded that the district administration should seize the property. Further, they demanded to protection to Kannadigas living in Tamil Nadu and action against those who assaulted Kannadigas there.

The farm house spread across 10 acres was purchased by Ms. Selvi around 15 years ago. Mr Karunanidhi visits the farm house once every year. Even Selvi visits the farmhouse once or twice in a year, the villagers said.