Employees of the Tribal Welfare Department staged a massive protest in the state capital on Wednesday, demanding the immediate revocation of a clerk’s suspension.
The demonstration erupted early in the morning at Satpura Bhavan, located near the state secretariat. Employees raised slogans and gathered in large numbers to voice their anger, forcing officials to arrange a reconciliation meeting. Despite this, the protesting employees insisted on an open discussion rather than closed-door parleys.
The dispute stemmed from a heated confrontation after Commissioner Shriman Shukla reportedly scolded clerk Harshpal for being late, suspended him, and verbally abused him. The situation escalated when Shukla allegedly threw a bottle at Harshpal, inciting further protests.
The protest grew as news of the incident spread. Employees rallied together, chanting slogans and creating a stir. Police were called in but failed to calm the situation. Officials then proposed a discussion, but no resolution was reached.
A work boycott ensued as employee leaders advised staff to refrain from official duties. With no senior official expressing support, the employees vowed to escalate the protest if the suspension wasn’t reversed. A formal memorandum is likely to follow.
