Thiruvananthapuram: A group of construction workers were manhandled by some headload workers for allegedly denying Gawking wages ('Nokkukooli'). The incident took place at Pothencode around 9.30 am on Wednesday after the headload workers interrupted the construction work and demanded 'nokkukooli'.The contractor was also beaten up when he refused to pay.

Pothencode police have taken two persons into custody in connection to this incident.

The contractor had purchased steel bars and other construction materials for a Chengannur native's house construction here. When this load was taken to the site, the headload workers rushed to the spot and demanded Rs 10,000 as 'Nokkukooli'. When he refused to pay it, they manhandled him and the workers at the site. 

According to reports, 15 people from the INTUC and CITU unions are behind the attack.

Manikandan, a chief mason, and three other workers were physically assaulted. The person who recorded the incident on his mobile phone was also beaten up by the headload workers.