Odisha Migrant Workers Rescued from Telangana Brick Kilns


Odisha Migrant Workers Rescued from Telangana Brick Kilns
100 Labourers, Including Families, Return Home After Months of Bonded Labour; Journalist’s Intervention Sparks Action

Balangir/Kantabanji, Odisha | May 25, 2025 —
Thirty-one migrant families from Odisha, who had been trapped in bonded labour at brick kilns in Telangana, have returned home with renewed hope — thanks to the timely intervention of Hyderabad-based NGO Divya Disha, the International Justice Mission (IJM), and active support from the government.

The 100-member group, comprising men, women, and children, arrived at Kantabanji railway station two days after their dramatic rescue. Many appeared visibly fatigued and emotionally drained, but relieved to be free.

Their ordeal began in October 2024, when they were reportedly lured by Odisha-based labour contractor Arjun Dandasen with false promises of advance payments and fair wages. However, upon reaching Telangana, they were subjected to exploitative working conditions — earning a meagre ₹400–450 per week, far below the legal minimum wage. They also faced threats, verbal abuse, and severe restrictions on movement, effectively trapping them in bonded labour.

The breakthrough came when a 22-year-old worker managed to escape and contacted Dipak Kumar Rout of Divya Disha. The NGO, which has long worked to combat human trafficking and labour exploitation, immediately raised the alarm. Despite clear violations of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, the Hyderabad district administration remained unresponsive.

It was only after Odisha-based journalist Sarat Chandra Behera brought the issue to the attention of the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office and the Odisha Human Rights Commission in Bhubaneswar that decisive action was taken. State officials then coordinated with the NGOs and facilitated the safe return of the stranded workers.

“We urge strict action against unauthorized labour contractors like Arjun Dandasen, and T. Madhav Reddy, owner of M/s TMR Bricks, whose deceit leads to the modern-day enslavement of innocent families,” said an official from Divya Disha.

Human rights activists have called for urgent inter-state coordination and monitoring to dismantle such exploitative networks and prevent future trafficking.

The rescued workers are currently receiving immediate relief, medical support, and rehabilitation assistance from the Odisha Labour Department. Government sources confirmed that long-term livelihood and reintegration plans are underway to secure their future.

This case once again underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of labour laws, grassroots awareness campaigns in vulnerable districts, and firm accountability for those who profit from human suffering.

— InsiteNews Bureau

Insight News
Author: Insight News

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