Three Bonded Labourers Of Nuapada Held Captive In Andhra Pradesh

Nuapada: As many as three bonded labourers of Nuapada district are reported to have been held captive by the contractor of a brick kiln in Andhra Pradesh, sources said.

The labour department officials, whom the family members met, have assured all help in rescuing the labourers.

The victims have been identified as Manadhara Majhi, Abhiram Majhi and Rupadhara Majhi of Babepada village in Nuapada districts.

“We are trying to rescue the three labourers and will inform the higher authorities,” said Labour Department Rural Inspector Asha Manjula Toppo.

According to family members, the labourers were sent to Andhra Pradesh in June this year to work in the brick kiln by a middleman who gave them an advance of Rs 10,000.

Though they have already worked for six months, the contractor did allow them to return home.

The labourers managed to contact their families back home, alleging that they have been held captive and were being subjected to torture. They were not being allowed to return home, the family members said.

“The dalal (middleman) gave us Rs 10,000 for two months. His name is Mohan Pahanria. He took them to Lathor and from there the Sardar took them to Andhra Pradesh. I have two kids and we don’t have any sources of income for our living,” said Doupradi Majhi, wife of one of the victims.