Odisha Migrant Workers Rescued from Alleged Confinement in Tamil Nadu Factory
In a distressing incident highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by migrant labourers, three workers from Odisha's Ganjam district were rescued by police on Tuesday after being allegedly confined and assaulted by a factory owner in Tamil Nadu. The victims, identified as B Budu Reddy (32), B Purna Reddy (30), and S Dhoba Reddy (31), all residents of Laxmi Narayanpur in Digapahandi block, were rescued from Nagapattinam district through a coordinated effort between Odisha and Tamil Nadu police forces.
Police Action and Rescue Operation
The rescue operation was initiated after family members of the victims filed a formal complaint at Digapahandi police station on Friday. Responding swiftly, a five-member police team from Digapahandi rushed to Tamil Nadu to locate and secure the workers. Saravana Vivek M, the Superintendent of Police (Berhampur), revealed that he personally contacted the Nagapattinam SP to request assistance, leading to a successful joint operation. The rescued workers are expected to return to Berhampur within a couple of days, with further details about their ordeal to be disclosed upon their arrival.
Background of the Exploitation
According to sources, the three labourers had travelled to Tamil Nadu approximately 15 days ago, lured by a labour contractor who promised them employment at a biscuit factory with a decent salary. However, after waiting for two days without securing jobs, they decided to return home. At this point, another contractor intervened, encouraging them to work at a different site and transporting them to the workplace.
Once there, the situation turned grim. The factory owner allegedly confiscated their mobile phones, confined them to a room, and withheld their wages. When the workers demanded payment, they were reportedly assaulted and forced to work overtime. The crisis escalated until S Dhoba Reddy managed to contact his family via phone on Thursday, alerting them to their plight. This prompted the family to lodge a police complaint and seek intervention from the local tehsildar, setting the rescue in motion.
Broader Context of Migrant Worker Issues
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by migrant workers from Odisha, who often seek employment in other states under precarious conditions. In a related development, the body of a 32-year-old migrant worker from Bajapalli, identified as S Santosh Reddy, was returned to his village on Monday. Reddy, who had been working in Chennai for several years, suddenly fell ill and was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Family members have raised suspicions of foul play, citing the inability to perform an autopsy. District Labour Officer Subhalaxmi Behera noted that authorities were unaware of this death, as the family had not formally reported it.
The rescue of the three workers serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard migrant labourers from exploitation and abuse. As investigations continue, this case highlights the critical role of inter-state police cooperation in addressing such emergencies and ensuring justice for vulnerable workers.
