Photo: OTV
The accused bonded labor traffickers arrested in Bolangir
In a major crackdown on illegal human trafficking, Odisha police have rescued 17 bonded labourers in Bolangir during a special operation.
The rescue operation took place during a raid in Larki village of the Turekela area in Bolangir district.
Following the operation, police rescued the group comprising 17 individuals- seven men, eight women and two children.
Incidentally, all the individuals being trafficked hailed from villages nearby Larki. As per reports, the group hailed from localities around Bhutiarbahal and Kudasingha and were likely being taken to a place outside the state.
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In connection with the incident, the police arrested two persons, identified as Madhav Sandha and Dhaneswar Nag of Larki. The duo was charged with illegal trafficking and dealing in possible bonded labour.
All the individuals were apprehended while attempting to leave for another state without proper registration. Investigation is underway to determine the nature and exact circumstances of the trafficking.
The case has once again highlighted the burden of migrant and forced labour in Odisha where people, including children, are bonded and made to work in tough conditions often without pay.
A similar crackdown happened in October this year when police rescued six children, aged between 12-14, being employed as bonded labourers in Jajpur district.
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Additionally, in February of this year, a migrant bonded labourer from Belpada died on his way home while returning from Andhra Pradesh. Thereafter, in July, another family of forced labourers from the state was traced and rescued from Karnataka.
No comments from the police could be obtained over the matter.
