By resorting to cane-charge, lobbing of tear gas shells and firing, the police have created an atmosphere of terror in the area, Gujarat minister of AITUC Vijay Shenmare alleged, demanding that the owner of powerlooms in shed no 50 -- where Shivram, the deceased was working -- immediately deposit compensation as promised under the Workmen's Compensation Act with the Labour court.

He alleged that the labour laws are regularly violated with impunity by owners of textile units in Surat. As many as 25,000 criminal complaints were pending against owners for violating various laws, he alleged. The police have not made any arrest in any of the cases so far, he further claimed.

The same police take to repressive measures when workers fight for their rights and for forcing owners to implement various laws framed by the Central and State governments, he pointed out.

The labour department was hand in glove with owners and were not taking any action against them for labour law violations for monetary consideration. Shenmare has demanded that workers engaged in various trades should be provided with identity card and Employees State Insurance card from the day they join service.