Darjeeling, Nov. 18: Shree Dwarika Tea Estate, popularly known as Vah-Tukvar, that was locked out on October 31 reopened today after it was agreed that the 12 workers who had allegedly assaulted three garden managers would be suspended till an independent inquiry was completed.

The decision on the reopening was reached at a meeting, between the management of the estate and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha-affiliated garden union called by Kallol Banerjee, the deputy labour commissioner, in Siliguri yesterday.

The garden, 10km from here, has 300 workers and is spread over 185 hectares.

Sandeep Mukherjee, the principal advisor to the Darjeeling Tea Association, said: "The garden reopened today after the union agreed to various terms of settlement."

He said probe would be conducted by an "independent" lawyer.