The recent arrest of an inter-state gang in a dacoity case has once again highlighted the growing menace of inter-state criminal activities in Mysuru, sparking concern among employers, industries, and law enforcement agencies.
Mysuru district is home to an estimated 70,000 inter-state workers employed across industries, constituting more than 20% of the workforce. However, inadequate background verification and monitoring have left significant gaps, with some workers allegedly turning to crimes like theft, robbery, and even murder.
The Mysuru District Industries Association had earlier urged authorities to issue identity cards to all inter-state workers after thorough verification, but the proposal has not been prioritised. Labour department officials admit that tracking all workers is a challenge, especially those hired outside formal sectors such as construction and factories.
Police commissioner Seema Latkar stressed the importance of background checks, urging employers to conduct police verification before hiring. “Monitoring inter-state workers is crucial,” she said.
Recent cases underline the threat: a silver factory heist revealed an insider who had worked there for nearly two years; in 2021, a mason was murdered during a jewellery heist by gang members from Maharashtra and Rajasthan; in 2025, a carpenter from Tamil Nadu was arrested for theft at a doctor’s residence. In another case, a gold shop employee from West Bengal allegedly fled with stolen gold.
Employers acknowledge the risks but continue hiring inter-state workers, who are often willing to work longer hours without leave. “ID cards with verified antecedents should be made mandatory to avoid impersonation and misuse,” suggested MSME Council general secretary Suresh Kumar Jain.
Labour officials note that while formal employees are documented through Aadhaar, PF, and ESI records, unregistered workers hired directly remain difficult to trace. Authorities admit that no government department currently has accurate data on inter-state workers in Mysuru.