In a significant humanitarian operation, the Pratapgarh District Police of Rajasthan rescued 53 tribal labourers who were allegedly held captive and forced to work in sugarcane fields in Solapur district of Maharashtra after being lured with false promises of employment.

The rescue operation was carried out under the direction of Superintendent of Police B Aditya and the supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police Gajendra Singh Jodha. The team was led by Sub-Inspector Sohanlal of Ghantali Police Station.

Lured with fake job promises

Police said the labourers—13 women and 40 men—belonged to tribal communities from several villages under Ghantali, Pipalkhoont and Parsola police station limits in Pratapgarh district. They were taken nearly two months ago to Jabud village under Akluj Police Station in Solapur district on the pretext of being provided work.

According to police investigations, brokers Sitaram Patil and Khan, along with a local associate, allegedly promised wages of ₹500 per day per labourer, along with free food and accommodation. Instead of jobs in Indore, the workers were sent to sugarcane farms in Solapur.

Abuse, confinement and unpaid wages

Police said the accused brokers collected large sums of money from landlords as labour charges and then abandoned the workers. When the labourers demanded wages, they were allegedly beaten, threatened and confined in farm enclosures and houses. No wages were paid to any of them, and complaints of indecent behaviour towards women labourers have also surfaced. Some workers managed to escape earlier and return home, alerting authorities.

Safe return ensured

Considering the humanitarian urgency and guided by the Rajasthan Police motto of public confidence and criminal deterrence, the Pratapgarh police team rushed to Maharashtra along with family members of the trapped labourers. After coordinated efforts across multiple locations, all 53 labourers were safely rescued.

As the rescued workers had no money for food or travel, arrangements were made with the help of public representatives and local citizens to ensure their safe return. All labourers have been brought back to Pratapgarh and will be dropped at their respective villages.

A case has been registered at Ghantali Police Station, and further legal action against the accused is underway.