In a significant victory against human trafficking and forced labour, eleven workers from Odisha's Koraput district have been rescued from a brick kiln in Telangana where they were held as bonded labourers.
The Rescue Operation
Acting on a tip-off, officials from the Koraput district administration collaborated with Telangana authorities to conduct a joint operation at the brick kiln located in Telangana. The workers, who had been trapped in conditions of modern-day slavery, were successfully freed and are now undergoing rehabilitation.
Behind the Tragedy
The rescued individuals revealed they were lured to Telangana with promises of good wages and decent working conditions. However, upon arrival, they found themselves trapped in a cycle of debt bondage with no means of escape. Their accounts paint a grim picture of exploitation and deprivation of basic human rights.
Immediate Relief Measures
Authorities have taken several crucial steps to support the survivors:
- Providing immediate medical care and psychological support
- Arranging temporary accommodation and food
- Initiating legal proceedings against the kiln owners
- Ensuring safe return to their families in Koraput
Broader Implications
This case highlights the persistent problem of bonded labour in India, particularly affecting vulnerable communities from tribal regions like Koraput. Despite legal protections, many workers continue to fall prey to deceptive recruitment practices that lead to modern slavery.
The successful rescue operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against labour exploitation and the importance of vigilant enforcement of anti-trafficking laws across state borders.
