By Kaveesha Fernando
NARASPURA, India (CWBN)_ Multinational technology giant Apple Inc stated on Monday (December 15) that they were investigating the recent Karnataka iPhone factory riot to determine if Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron, who operated the facility, was at fault.
Employees are reported to have begun the riot, which caused extensive property damage amounting close to 440 crore (around 60 million USD), over the non-payment of salaries. International media reports that protestors smashed cars and golf carts, stole electronic devices and destroyed office equipment.
In response to the incident, Apple also claimed that they are dedicated to ensuring everyone in their supply chain is treated with dignity and respect. The company released a statement detailing the action they plan to take. “We have teams on the ground and immediately launched a detailed investigation at Wistron’s Narasapura facility in India. We are also dispatching additional Apple team members and auditors to the facility. Our teams are in close touch with the local authorities and we’re offering our full support to their investigation,” they said. Apple’s independent investigations are being held to determine if supplier guidelines have been followed by Wistron at the plant.
Managing Director of Wistron Smart Devices Sudipto Gupta is reported to have said that he is deeply shocked by the events which took place at the facility. He is also reported to have stated that Wistron is abiding by the law and supporting the authorities with their investigation, adding that the safety and wellbeing of Wistron’s employees is their top priority. Indian authorities investigating the incident are reported to have arrested over 150 people in connection to the riot.
