37 Odisha Workers Rescued From Bonded Labour Conditions In Vijayanagara

Hosapete: The Vijayanagara district administration rescued 37 labourers from Odisha, including women and children, who were allegedly being forced to work under bonded labour conditions at Nandibandi village in Mariyammanahalli hobli.

The rescue operation brought visible relief to the workers, many of whom had reportedly been living under fear and restriction for months. Officials sent them back to their native places in Odisha by train.

The rescue was carried out following credible information provided by a Belagavi-based NGO, Spandana. Acting under the directions of Vijayanagara district Deputy Commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri, Assistant Commissioner Vivekananda and his team raided the location and rescued the workers.

According to officials, they were working in a brick manufacturing unit.

The rescued persons included 10 children, 11 women, and 16 men, all belonging to Balangir and Nabarangpur districts of Odisha. Officials found the labourers living in extremely poor conditions in tiny houses of 4 feet in width, lacking even basic facilities.

According to the labourers, they had been brought to Karnataka around six months ago after being paid an advance amount of Rs 40,000 each. They alleged that they were promised work for only six months and assured wages based on their labour.

However, despite working throughout the week under harsh conditions, each family was allegedly paid only Rs 500 per week. The labourers further narrated that when they sought permission to return home after completion of the agreed period, they were threatened and told they could not leave as they had accepted advance money.

The victims also alleged that security guards had been deployed to prevent them from contacting the outside world or escaping from the work site.

Describing the incident as shocking, Deputy Commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri said an FIR had been registered at Mariyammanahalli Police Station against those involved in the alleged bonded labour practice. She said strict legal action would be initiated against the accused.

According to sources, an FIR has been registered against three persons from Andhra Pradesh in connection to this.

DC Kavita S Mannikeri and Superintendent of Police S Jahnavi personally supervised the arrangements for their return. Two police personnel and two Revenue Department officials were also deputed to accompany the labourers during the journey for their safety.

Among those present during the operation were DySP P Muralidhara, Sub-Divisional Officer Vivekananda and officials from various departments.