National Human Rights Commission Intervenes in Case of Stranded Odisha Workers in Thailand
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a distressing case involving six migrant workers from Odisha who were allegedly stranded and subjected to severe mistreatment in Thailand. The commission has formally requested a detailed report from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the assistance provided to the victims and their families.
Allegations of Captivity and Torture
According to official sources, the six men—five from Kendrapada district and one from Bhadrak district—were reportedly held captive by their employer for approximately six months in the Chon Buri area near Bangkok. The situation came to public attention on February 17 after the victims recorded a video detailing their harrowing experiences.
In the video, the workers alleged they were forced to endure physical and mental torture inside a plywood factory. They claimed to have been made to work 12 hours daily without receiving any salary, proper food, or basic facilities. Furthermore, their passports were allegedly confiscated by the employer, leaving them trapped and unable to return home.
Commission's Swift Action and Government Response
The NHRC stated that this incident raises serious concerns about human rights violations. The commission has sought comments from the Ministry of External Affairs on the support extended to the victims and whether additional assistance can be provided to their families. A response has been requested within one week.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally intervened to facilitate the return of the workers, who are aged between 28 and 40 years. Following his efforts, four of the six individuals have successfully returned to Odisha.
Details of the Workers and Their Ordeal
The workers traveled to Thailand in August last year through a labor contractor who promised them well-paid employment. However, upon arrival, they found themselves in exploitative conditions. The factory owner, identified as an Indian national from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly failed to fulfill promises of obtaining work visas for the workers.
Jayanta Kumar Mallick, one of the returned workers, explained, "Though the owner promised to provide a working visa after two months, it did not happen. We went there with the help of his two agents." The workers had initially traveled on tourist visas, which complicated their legal status.
Current Status and Repatriation Efforts
The four workers who have returned home are:
- Jayanta Kumar Mallick (Kendrapada district)
- Hemanta Kumar Behera (Kendrapada district)
- Bijay Kumar Swain (Kendrapada district)
- Manaranjan Sahu (Bhadrak district)
They arrived back in Odisha on Saturday. The remaining two workers, Prasant Rout and Yeswant Sahoo, both from Kendrapada district, are still awaiting repatriation. The workers had appealed to both the Odisha government and the central government for help in facilitating their return.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and underscores the importance of robust mechanisms to protect their rights and ensure their safe return in times of crisis.
