15 Migrant Workers and Minors Rescued from Alleged Bonded Labour in Beed Sugar Cane Farm
In a significant operation earlier this week, fifteen individuals, including eleven migrant workers and four minors, were rescued from an alleged bonded labour facility at a sugar cane farm in Dharur tehsil of Beed district. The rescue was executed through a coordinated joint operation involving local police and revenue department officials.
Swift Action Following Interstate Alert
The case came to light after family members of some workers approached authorities in Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh, reporting that they had lost contact with the labourers and feared they were being held captive. This information was promptly communicated to the Beed district administration.
District Collector Vivek Johnson received the communication from Uttar Pradesh authorities regarding the workers' alleged illegal confinement and non-payment of wages. Acting immediately, he ordered a comprehensive investigation and rescue operation.
Coordinated Rescue Operation
Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat detailed the operation, stating, "As soon as we received inputs, our teams moved in coordination with the revenue department. The workers were rescued and legal action was initiated. We are making all efforts to trace and arrest the accused."
A joint team of police and revenue officials raided the sugar cane farm located in Aamla village. According to officials, the suspects had fled the premises before the raid could be conducted. Search operations are currently underway to locate and apprehend the accused individuals.
Allegations of Abuse and Wage Withholding
Police investigations revealed that the workers, hailing from Lalitpur district in Uttar Pradesh and Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, had arrived in Beed for sugar cane harvesting last November. The farm owner had engaged them for cutting sugar cane but allegedly withheld their wages.
An officer involved in the case explained, "When the workers demanded payment, they were assaulted, threatened and prevented from leaving. The contractor who brought them to the farm was also assaulted when he raised the issue of pending wages."
Legal Proceedings and Victim Support
Following the rescue, one of the labourers lodged a formal complaint at Dindrud police station. Based on this complaint, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
The rescued workers are currently under the care and protection of the district administration. Authorities are making necessary arrangements to facilitate their safe return to their native places in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
This case highlights the persistent challenges faced by migrant agricultural workers in India, particularly during harvesting seasons. The successful rescue operation demonstrates the effectiveness of interstate coordination between law enforcement agencies.
Revenue officials emphasized that such operations send a strong message against exploitative labour practices. The case continues to be investigated thoroughly, with authorities committed to ensuring justice for the victims and holding perpetrators accountable under the law.
