Balangir: In a bid to curb labour trafficking and prevent workers from being pushed into bonded labour, Balangir police organised a bike rally across key parts of the district to raise awareness and promote safe migration practices.
Organised as part of International Labour Day on Friday, the rally under the leadership of Balangir SP, Abilash G had around 300 police personnel riding through Balangir town and other blocks such as Khaprakhol, Belpada, Bongomunda, Kantabanji and Lathor- all vulnerable to labour trafficking.
Personnels from Odisha Special Striking Force (OSSF), Odisha Police, Bonded Labour survivors and labour department officials participated in the rally. With public announcements and direct interaction with residents, officials urged people to remain alert against middlemen offering cash advances and false employment promises.
Police officials highlighted that labour trafficking often begins with deceptive job offers and advance payments, which can lead to exploitation, restricted movement, and abuse. Citizens were advised to verify employment details before migrating and to immediately report suspicious activities to the police.
Alongside the awareness drive, the district police reiterated that strict action is being taken against agents and traffickers involved in illegal recruitment and transportation of labourers. Officials stated that surveillance and preventive measures have been intensified to deter such activities.
The initiative is part of the district police’s ongoing efforts to combine enforcement with community awareness to effectively combat labour trafficking and bonded labour and to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
“Combating labour trafficking requires a collective effort. We need the support of citizens, youth, community leaders, and local institutions. I urge the youth of Balangir to become active partners and be our eyes and ears on the ground. Awareness at the community level is our strongest defence. If you see suspicious recruitment or movement, report it to the police, local leaders, or trusted organisations,” said Balangir SP.
Notably, over the past few years, Balangir district has seen a significant scale-up in action against labour trafficking, with over 400 cases registered and more than 4,200 workers rescued from exploitative labour conditions between 2020 to 2025.
Certain blocks, including Belpada, Khaprakhol, and Lathor, have emerged as high-risk source areas and are being prioritised for focused interventions. Reports indicate that labourers from these areas are regularly trafficked to high risk industries like brick kilns, stone quarries, agriculture units, shrimp farms and rice mills in and outside the state.
