In a major joint operation, police and revenue officials rescued at least 18 bonded labourers from a shed in Juttanahalli village of Belur taluk in Hassan district on Thursday.
The rescue was initiated after credible information was received by authorities. Additional Superintendent of Police M Thammaiah said the breakthrough came after one of the victims, Eeranna from Vijayapura district, managed to escape and inform his family. His mother subsequently approached the media and officials, prompting swift action.
Forced to work in harsh conditions
According to police, the labourers were confined to a single shed under restrictive and inhuman conditions. They were allegedly forced to work from morning till evening in a ginger field and were kept under constant surveillance. Officials stated that they were not allowed to move freely and had no access to wages, money or communication.
Authorities described the situation as a serious violation of human rights and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.
The rescued individuals hail from Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, as well as Haveri, Vijayapura and Gadag districts in Karnataka. Many were reportedly living in fear and without basic facilities.
Two accused booked under BNS
The accused have been identified as Nagaraj, 42, and Mohanesh, 45. Investigators revealed that the duo allegedly targeted vulnerable individuals at railway stations and other locations by offering employment opportunities. Instead, the victims were taken to agricultural fields and forced to work without pay.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bonded Labour Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Officials confirmed that the rescued labourers would be provided food, shelter, medical care and rehabilitation support.