In a joint operation by the district administration and labour department, 18 bonded labourers were rescued from a brick kiln in Bevinahalli village, Mysuru district, on 22 June 2026. The three owners of the kiln—Yathiraj, Girish, and Mahadeva—were arrested and booked under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and other relevant sections.
Rescue Operation Details
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by the Assistant Labour Commissioner conducted a surprise raid at the brick kiln. The labourers, hailing from different parts of the state, were found working under harsh conditions and were reportedly not paid wages for months. They were forced to work to repay debts that had been artificially inflated by the owners.
According to officials, the labourers were kept in confinement and were not allowed to leave the premises. Basic amenities such as clean drinking water and proper sanitation were lacking. The rescued individuals have been provided with temporary shelter and are being counselled.
Legal Action and Rehabilitation
The arrested owners were produced before a judicial magistrate and remanded to judicial custody. The labour department has initiated proceedings to ensure the victims receive compensation under the Bonded Labour Rehabilitation Scheme. Each rescued labourer is entitled to a one-time rehabilitation grant of Rs. 1,00,000, as per government norms.
“We are verifying the identities of all 18 labourers and will process their compensation claims at the earliest,” said a senior labour department official. The district administration has also formed a committee to monitor the rehabilitation process and prevent such incidents in the future.
Background on Bonded Labour in Karnataka
Bonded labour remains a persistent issue in Karnataka’s brick kiln and agricultural sectors. Despite legal prohibitions, many workers from marginalised communities fall into debt traps set by employers. According to the 2021 National Crime Records Bureau data, Karnataka reported over 200 cases of bonded labour, though activists say the actual number is much higher.
The Mysuru rescue is part of a broader crackdown on illegal labour practices. In the past year, more than 50 bonded labourers have been freed from various kilns and farms across the district. Officials urge workers to report exploitation through the helpline 1098 or the labour department’s toll-free number.
