14 labourers kept like slaves rescued from Periyapatna

Periyapatna: Labourers are shown hopes and dreams of a better life with satisfying wages and most of the times the working hands fall prey to such promises.

An inhumane incident of labourers being brought from far-flung places and kept in pathetic condition has come to light at Bylakuppe town of Periyapatna.

As many as 14 men from Tumakuru, Hubballi and Dharwad were found working in the fields at Tibetan Refugee camp number 10.

It is said that Niranjan, Umesh and Shankar, residents of Arasinakere had acquired 25 acres of land from the Tibetans nationals living here, on lease. The labourers were promised Rs. 600 per day and were brought five months ago.

The 14 of them not only toiled in the ginger farm but also worked in some of the farms of Tibetans as well. They were overburdened with work and were given no wages. However, one day the workers decided to retaliate, but ended up getting beaten black and blue.

A Good Samaritan, who witnessed the hapless plight of the workers, complained to Tahshildar G Mahesh, Social Welfare Department officer Ramegowda, Circle Officer of the Labour Department Arun Kumar and others. Following this, a joint raid was conducted and the labourers were rescued. Umesh was taken into custody. The search is on for Niranjan and Shankar who are absconding.