Erode conservancy workers strike after supervisor assaulted on duty

More than 500 conservancy workers with the Erode Corporation stayed off work and held demonstrations on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, pressing for the arrest of an individual accused of assaulting a sanitary supervisor. The work stoppage disrupted routine cleaning operations across several neighbourhoods in the city.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Ward 8, where a team of sanitary workers was carrying out street-cleaning duties. A resident of Bharathi Nagar, identified as Sebastian, reportedly approached the crew and began issuing instructions about their work, warning that they could lose their jobs if they did not comply. He is also said to have used abusive language during the exchange.

When supervisor Rajesh Kumar intervened to question Sebastian, the latter allegedly slapped him. Sebastian is further accused of attempting to attack other workers who stepped in to separate them. A woman worker who tried to stop the assault is also said to have been targeted.

Following a complaint lodged by Rajesh Kumar, the Erode North police registered a case covering charges related to abusive language and assault. However, the protesting workers have alleged that the police omitted a provision for criminal intimidation from the chargesheet and that Corporation officials have not taken sufficient action against the accused.

Demanding immediate arrest of Sebastian, the workers gathered first at the Corporation office and later moved to Panneerselvam Park. Corporation officials and police personnel held discussions with the protesters, after which the agitation was called off later in the afternoon.