Odisha Man Rescued from Bonded Labour in Jammu & Kashmir After 18-Year Ordeal
In a heart-wrenching yet uplifting turn of events, a man from Sundargarh district in Odisha, who had been missing for nearly two decades, was finally reunited with his family in Rourkela on Tuesday. Purushottam Goud, now 31 years old, was rescued from Jammu & Kashmir, where he was allegedly forced to work as a bonded labourer under coercive conditions that prevented his escape.
A Long-Awaited Emotional Reunion
The emotional scene unfolded at Rourkela railway station as Purushottam, overwhelmed with joy and relief, embraced his mother’s sister, cousin, and other relatives. Neighbours later welcomed him at his native village with garlands, celebrating his return after an agonizing 18-year absence. Purushottam had been living with his aunt and extended family in Sonaparvat Ganjutola under Suidihi panchayat in Lathikata block before his disappearance.
How the Tragedy Began
The ordeal began when Purushottam was just 13 years old and studying in Class VIII. A truck driver from his area allegedly lured him with a false job offer, transporting him to Jammu & Kashmir. According to police reports, he was initially made to work as a labourer in a household and later confined at the home of businessman Kuldeep Gupta in Samba district. There, he was treated as a bonded labourer, forced into manual labour and even driving vehicles, while being kept in virtual captivity.
Family's Desperate Search and Tragic Losses
After Purushottam went missing, his family conducted extensive searches and lodged a formal complaint at the local police station, but no breakthroughs occurred. Over the years, the situation grew more tragic as both of his parents passed away, never witnessing their son's return. In 2022, a glimmer of hope emerged when Purushottam, having memorized his family’s mobile number, managed to call home and inform them he was trapped in Jammu & Kashmir. His aunt, Ulasi, attempted to seek help at that time but did not receive adequate support, as per family members.
The Rescue Operation Unfolds
In January of this year, Purushottam made another desperate call from someone else’s mobile phone, providing his exact location and pleading for rescue. His aunt then approached local sarpanch Aruna Irani Kishan, who escalated the matter to Raghunathpali MLA Durga Charan Tanti. The MLA wrote to DIG (western range) Brijesh Rai, prompting Tangarpali police to initiate the rescue process. A constable from Tangarpali police station travelled to Samba, where, in coordination with Rajpura police, Purushottam was successfully rescued and handed over to Odisha police authorities.
Challenges and Joyous Return
Purushottam was accompanied back to Odisha by his cousin and a police constable. Having spent most of his formative years in Jammu & Kashmir, he now speaks only Hindi and the local language of that region, having forgotten Odia. Reflecting on his experience, Purushottam said, "I had remembered the mobile number of my home and that helped me contact them. I am very happy to be reunited with my family after 18 years." His niece, Mina Banchhor, expressed the family's relief, stating, "Getting him back is a blessing."
This case highlights the persistent issue of bonded labour and human trafficking in India, underscoring the critical role of inter-state police cooperation and community advocacy in securing justice and reuniting families torn apart by such crimes.
