Police and officials rescue 18 bonded labourers, including children, from a brick kiln in Mysuru’s T. Narasipura taluk after alleged decades-long exploitation
In a major rescue operation in Mysuru district, 18 workers, including a family with children, were freed from alleged bonded labour conditions at a brick kiln in T. Narasipura taluk. Authorities arrested three kiln owners and registered a case under multiple sections, including bonded labour and human trafficking laws. The victims were reportedly exploited for nearly two decades under harsh working and living conditions.
Mysuru: In a significant anti-bonded labour operation, authorities in Karnataka’s Mysuru district have rescued 18 workers who were allegedly forced to work under exploitative conditions at a brick kiln for nearly two decades.
The rescue operation was carried out on Monday in Bevanahalli village of T. Narasipura taluk following coordinated action by police, revenue officials, labour department staff and social organisations.
Three brick kiln owners have been arrested in connection with the case, and an FIR has been registered at the Bannur police station.
Joint Operation Frees 18 Bonded Labourers in Mysuru
According to officials, the rescued workers were allegedly subjected to long-term bonded labour conditions under the pretext of debt repayment.
The accused have been identified as Yathiraj, Girish, and Mahadev.
Authorities stated that the workers were kept in captivity-like conditions and forced to continue working for years without freedom of movement.
Of the 18 rescued individuals, 16 are reported to be from nearby local villages, while two belong to Vellore district in Tamil Nadu.
Alleged 20-Year Exploitation Under Debt Bondage System
Preliminary findings suggest that several workers were trapped in bonded labour after receiving advance payments from employers.
In one reported case, a family allegedly received an advance of Rs. 75,000 several years ago and was subsequently forced to continue working under debt obligations that kept increasing over time.
Officials indicated that the debt system was used to prevent workers from leaving employment, with additional charges, deductions and interest-like conditions allegedly imposed over the years.
Harsh Working Conditions and Wage Concerns Reported
Rescued workers have reportedly told officials that they were made to work long hours, from early morning to evening, under extremely demanding conditions.
Despite extended working hours, wages were allegedly very low, with weekly payments ranging between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 for the entire family in some cases.
Authorities also noted that essential supplies such as food items were reportedly provided at inflated rates and deducted from wages, further deepening the financial dependency of workers on employers.
Restrictions on movement were also reported, with families allegedly not allowed to leave the premises freely or travel together.
Escape Attempt Leads to Exposure of Alleged Abuse
The case came to light after a couple reportedly managed to escape from the brick kiln and reached a relative’s house, later informing social organisations about the situation.
However, according to reports, the couple was later traced and allegedly brought back to the kiln before the matter was escalated to the authorities.
The incident started intervention by non-governmental organisations, including Vikasana and Madilu, which alerted officials about the alleged exploitation.
Multi-Department Raid and Rescue Operation
Following the alerts, a coordinated raid was conducted involving the District Legal Services Authority, tahsildar's office, labour department, women and child development officials, and local police.
The joint operation led to the successful rescue of all 18 workers and the arrest of the accused brick kiln owners.
Officials confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated under multiple provisions, including laws related to bonded labour abolition, human trafficking, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
FIR Registered and Rehabilitation Measures Initiated
An FIR has been filed at Bannur police station, and further investigation is underway to determine the extent of exploitation and financial coercion involved.
The rescued individuals are currently being housed in a government shelter facility, where initial relief and rehabilitation support is being provided.
Authorities have also announced that preliminary compensation of ₹30,000 per person will be provided, along with formal release certificates as per statutory guidelines.
Officials stated that efforts are underway to ensure long-term rehabilitation and legal support for the victims as the investigation continues.
