In a joint operation on Thursday evening, revenue department officials rescued 27 guest workers, including five minor boys, from a foundry unit at Malumichampatti in Coimbatore district. The workers, all natives of Bihar, had been forced to work as bonded labourers for the past two months at Indo Shell Cast Pvt Ltd.
Rescue Operation Details
The rescue was carried out based on a complaint from a Bengaluru-based NGO, which reported that the workers had not been paid wages for two months and were being manhandled at their accommodation. R Maruthip Priya, Revenue Divisional Officer (Coimbatore South) and member of the district and sub-divisional vigilance committee, led the operation along with labour department officials, district child protection officials, and Chettipalayam police.
Exploitation of Workers
According to Priya, a contractor from Bihar brought the workers to the foundry unit by promising a monthly salary of Rs 12,000 per person. However, they were never paid. The workers were housed in a unit-owned facility, denied adequate food, and prohibited from leaving. Those who refused to work were physically assaulted.
Legal Action Taken
The revenue department has lodged a complaint with Chettipalayam police, invoking the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulations) Act, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Police Inspector Selvaragavan confirmed that a case will be registered against the foundry unit and the contractor. Investigations are ongoing.
Rehabilitation of Workers
The rescued workers have been provided shelter. The Child Welfare Committee will conduct an inquiry on Friday, and authorities plan to send the workers back to their hometowns within one or two days. District officials are coordinating their safe return.
