Chennai: Twenty-nine bonded labourers were rescued from a woodcutting cum charcoal unit at Villangadu village near Poonamallee on Wednesday following a surprise inspection by D. Rathana, sub-collector, Tiruvallur district, and her team. The team conducted the inspection based on a tip-off received from National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Preliminary investigation has revealed that these 29 workers, including six children, belonged to four families and they have been working for P Sankar for two to ten years. They had received an advance sum ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000. Release certificates are yet to be issued and a manhunt has been launched to nab the owner.
Another rescue operation at various jewellery making units on Walltax road was jointly conducted by officials from the Chennai one-stop crisis team and the District Legal Service Authority.
Sixteen labourers, including a few children all from West Bengal, were rescued in this operation. Investigations are currently underway. It may be recalled that 61 children once again from West Bengal were rescued from five different jewellery making units on Walltax Road on September 6. The Child Welfare Committee and labour department officials found them to be working under extremely hazardous conditions. Release certificates were issued subsequently and boys were sent back home.
