Kodagu Police Warn Estate Owners to Exercise Caution When Hiring Labourers, Especially from Assam

The SP emphasised the importance of collecting proper identification details from these workers as a safety measure.

Madikeri: Kodagu Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Ramarajan has issued a stern warning to employers, particularly coffee estate owners, to exercise caution when hiring labourers from outside the state, including those from Assam.

The SP emphasised the importance of collecting proper identification details from these workers as a safety measure. He stated that if any illegal activities are committed by such labourers, legal action will be taken against the employers themselves.

The SP’s remarks come in the wake of a recent robbery at the Sri Kote Mariyamma Temple in Madikeri, where two individuals, both natives of Assam, were arrested in connection with the crime. Addressing the press at a conference held on Friday in Madikeri, Ramarajan noted that there has been an uptick in criminal activities involving individuals from Assam in the district, making it crucial for employers to be vigilant.

No Presence of Bangladeshi Nationals in Kodagu, Says SP

During the press meet, reporters inquired about the possible presence of Bangladeshi nationals in the district. SP Ramarajan clarified that the police currently have no information regarding any Bangladeshi nationals residing in the district. However, he urged anyone with such information to come forward and share it with the police.

“We cannot prevent anyone from working in the district since every citizen of India has the right to work anywhere in the country. However, it is the responsibility of employers, particularly those hiring labourers from other states, to ensure that they collect proper documents from them before offering employment,” SP Ramarajan said.

Collect Essential Documents from All Labourers

He further explained that employers, especially coffee estate owners, must collect essential documents from their labourers, including Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, full addresses, contact numbers of their relatives, and thoroughly verify the accuracy of this information before hiring them.

“If any criminal incidents occur and the police are not provided with the necessary information or documents of the labourers involved, we will file cases against the estate owners or employers,” Ramarajan warned.

Two Assam Natives Arrested for Temple Robbery

The Madikeri police arrested two individuals from Assam—Altab Ali (27) and Mir Hussain (36)—in connection with the robbery at the Sri Kote Mariyamma Temple on August 16. According to the police, Ali had been working in Kodagu for the past ten years and was residing in a labourer quarters in Murnad. Hussain, who had recently arrived in Kodagu, reportedly planned the robbery with Ali.

The police recovered three grams of gold Mangalsutra belonging to the temple's deity, 111 grams of a silver crown, 59 grams of silver ornaments, and ₹95,501 in cash, all of which were allegedly stolen from the temple by the accused.

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