The power loom labourers union of Coimbatore staged a protest in front of the District Collector’s office on Monday condemning the murder of power loom workers. They also submitted a petition to the district collector.

S. Jothibasu, head of the union said, “Power loom labourer Thangavel belonged to Rasakoundampalayam, Palladam. He was running the power loom for Selvam of Manikkapuram for many years. Due to an injury while working, Thangavel could not work in the loom. Following this, Selvam began to harass Thangavel and his family to return the advance money that the latter had borrowed from him. Later, Thangavel and his daughter Lakshmi (11) were kidnapped in a car by a four-member gang, led by Selvam. Thangavel and his daughter were burnt to death. Hence the guilty, along with the indifferent cops of Palladam police station should be prosecuted.

“Further, all the power-loom employees should be given 20 percent bonus 15 days ahead of Diwali.”