A week after the brutal assault on a 20-year-old domestic help in Varthur, hundreds of migrant labourers residing in a labour colony along Balagere Road have allegedly been forced to vacate their homes, triggering concerns over displacement and alleged rights violations.
The incident follows the arrest of five men accused of attacking the woman on April 3. The victim had earlier allegedly warned the accused to stop stalking and harassing her. However, on the night of April 3, a group allegedly entered her house, assaulted her with sticks and clubs, and issued death threats, forcing her to reconsider staying in the city.
Police registered an FIR on April 5 against four accused, who have been as identified as Jamshid, Tookhon, Bapoon, and Noor, along with several others.
In the aftermath, the police reportedly summoned landlords in the area for inquiry. Subsequently, landowners asked tenants to vacate, affecting nearly 5,000 migrant families, most of whom hail from West Bengal. Many residents had temporarily returned to their native places to participate in elections, while others have already vacated, left without shelter or resources.
The displaced workers were engaged in various informal jobs, including domestic work, housekeeping, garbage segregation, construction, security services, and gig work. Several families were seen packing their belongings and leaving, with no alternative arrangements for housing, food, or income.
