Gr Noida CEO murder 'fair enough': Oscar Fernandes

New Delhi, Sep 24: Indian business groups were shocked on Wednesday, Sep 24 for the irresponsible Government's comment stating that 'simmering discontent among the workers' was the reason why workers allegedly beat Lalit Kishore Chaudhary, CEO of Gr Noida to death on Monday, Sep 22. "Former employees of the car-parts maker Graziano Transmissioni attacked chief executive Lalit Kishore Chaudhary at the firm's offices near New Delhi, in Greater Noida, when discussions over a long-running labour dispute turned violent. Chaudhary, a father with one son, was hit on the head with either a stick or an iron rod and was declared dead on arrival at hospital." police said.

"It is my appeal to the management that the workers should be dealt with compassion. This incident should serve as a warning for management. There are disparities in the wages of permanent employees and contract workers. The workers should not be pushed so hard that they resort to whatever happened in Noida," said Union Labour Minister, Oscar Fernandes.

"The workforce unable to express its simmering discontent over the management policies, leading to strained ties between them and the management," he said while expressing his condolences to members of the bereaved family.

Media reports said workers were dismissed after they demanded pay rises and allegedly ransacked the firm's offices in Greater Noida.

"I can't believe someone in the government is condoning something like this. An innocent man has died. I am frankly flabbergasted. I am shocked, " said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The Confederation of Indian Industry said there was "nothing in the world that can justify lynching of any person and no dispute can be settled by murdering an adversary".

The groups said the killing would harm India's international business image.

Graziano, in a statement in Italy, said it was appalled at the incident.

Ramesh Jain, Director of Graziano India said, "It is a very unfortunate comment especially said in context of our company. The question should be open for all the industry associations and they should go ahead and ask for an apology from him. You have to now take a decision whether it is worth continuing in the location we are in. I am sure anyone coming in now, who have to invest in this country, especially in certain states where such industrial relations is there.

More than 130 people have been detained and are facing charges ranging from rioting to murder.

OneIndia News