Bonded labourers rescued from a brick kiln in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district have recounted harrowing tales of forced labour, severe sleep deprivation, and brutal treatment. The workers told police they were made to sleep only four hours a night, fed only husk rotis, and guarded by Pit Bull dogs to prevent escape.
Grueling Conditions and Abuse
The labourers, who were rescued in a joint operation by local police and labour department officials, described being forced to work 18-20 hours a day in hazardous conditions. They were housed in cramped, unsanitary quarters and subjected to physical beatings if they failed to meet production targets. One worker reported that a colleague was allegedly killed by the goons and his body disposed of in a sack.
According to the victims, the brick kiln owner employed armed guards and aggressive Pit Bull dogs to patrol the premises at night. The workers were not allowed to leave the site and were kept under constant surveillance. Food rations consisted of rotis made from husk, which is typically used as animal feed, and water was scarce.
Police Investigation and Rescue Operation
Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar, confirmed that the rescue operation was launched based on a tip-off from a local NGO. "We received information about illegal confinement and bonded labour at the brick kiln. Our team raided the site and freed 23 workers, including women and children," he said. The owner and two supervisors have been arrested under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The rescued labourers, hailing from Bihar and Jharkhand, were lured with promises of decent wages and accommodation. Instead, they were forced to work without pay to repay fabricated debts. "We were told we would earn Rs 500 per day, but we never saw any money. They said we owed them for food and shelter," one labourer stated.
Government Response and Rehabilitation
The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated rehabilitation measures for the rescued workers. Each labourer is entitled to Rs 20,000 as immediate relief under the Bonded Labour Rehabilitation Scheme. The district administration has also arranged temporary shelter and medical check-ups. Labour Commissioner, UP, stated, "We are committed to eradicating bonded labour and will ensure strict action against perpetrators. A detailed inquiry is underway."
According to the 2018 Global Slavery Index, India has an estimated 8 million people living in modern slavery, including bonded labour. The National Human Rights Commission has taken note of the incident and sought a report from the state government within two weeks.
Impact and Call for Action
The rescue has highlighted the persistent issue of bonded labour in India, despite legal prohibitions. Activists are calling for stricter enforcement of labour laws and better monitoring of brick kilns and other high-risk industries. "This case shows the brutal reality faced by millions of workers. The government must ensure that rescued labourers are not re-trafficked and that their families are compensated," said a representative from the NGO that alerted authorities.
The rescued workers are currently housed in a shelter home and are being provided with counseling and legal aid. Police have launched a manhunt for other suspects involved in the operation. The case has also prompted the state government to order inspections of all brick kilns in the district.
