A private marketing firm here has been accused of subjecting its underperforming employees to degrading treatment, including making them walk on their knees like chained dogs and lick coins from the floor. The state Labour department has ordered a probe into the alleged inhuman workplace harassment after the disturbing visuals were aired by local television channels. As the issue came to the light, state Labour Minister V Sivankutty ordered an inquiry into the undated incident and instructed the district labour officer to submit an immediate report on the incident. The visuals purportedly showed a person using a leash to force a man to crawl on his knees on the floor, resembling a dog. Later, some employees told a TV channel that those who fail to achieve targets were subjected to such punishments by the management of the firm. According to police, the incident allegedly took place in connection with a private marketing firm functioning in Kaloor and the crime allegedly occurred a...
The coming by-polls in West Bengal are expected to be bellwether for which way the political winds are blowing in Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal after the massive protests over the rape-murder of a Kolkata doctor. The protest, strongly backed by the urban middle class, has shaken the state and despite protesters' claims that it was apolitical, it had received significant support from the opposition. By-polls are due in six seats in various parts of the state - their geography and demography are expected to be strong indicators of the political trend. The seats include Naihati, the urban centre close to Kolkata, the minority dominated Haroa, Taldangra with a significant tribal population, Sitai with a chunk of minority and Rajbanshi vote, the tea garden seat of north Bengal. Madiahat and Medinipur. Many believe that the results now could throw light on whether the RG Kar protests will impact future elections. The Opposition BJP, which has been trying to dislodge Mamata Banerje...