Twelve individuals, including minors, have been rescued from a factory in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where they were allegedly held captive and subjected to severe torture as bonded labourers. The rescue operation, conducted by a joint team of police and administration officials, has brought to light harrowing accounts of inhumane conditions, physical abuse, and even the death of one worker due to alleged torture.
The rescued labourers, who hailed from various states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, were reportedly lured to the disposable plate manufacturing unit with promises of employment and a monthly salary. Instead, they claim to have been confined within the factory premises for extended periods, some for over two years, subjected to forced labour for up to 20 hours a day, and denied timely wages.
Survivors have recounted experiences of extreme deprivation, including being fed rotis made from chaff intended for animal feed and receiving minimal sleep. Reports indicate that pit bulls were used as guards to prevent any escape attempts. The workers also allege routine beatings, threats, and attacks by dogs. Mobile phones and identity documents of the victims were allegedly confiscated and, in some instances, destroyed to prevent them from leaving or contacting their families.
Adding a tragic dimension to the case, the rescued workers have alleged that a Nepalese worker named Arjun, also known as Topi, died in November last year after suffering severe torture inside the factory. His body was reportedly packed in a bag and disposed of. Police have registered a fresh case in connection with Arjun’s death and are investigating the allegations.
Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the case: Pradeep Balyan, identified as the father of the factory owner, and Shiva Tyagi, an associate of the owner. The primary factory owner, Ankit Balyan, remains at large, and multiple teams are reportedly conducting raids to apprehend him. The accused have been booked under various sections of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986; the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015; and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976 legally abolished the practice in India, aiming to free bonded labourers, cancel their debts, and provide rehabilitation. The Act also makes compelling individuals into bonded labour a cognizable offence punishable by imprisonment and fines. Article 23 of the Indian Constitution further prohibits trafficking in human beings and all forms of forced labour.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, describing the alleged abuse as an “assault on human dignity” and demanding strict action against those responsible. The incident has reignited discussions on the persistent issue of bonded labour in India, despite existing legal frameworks designed to combat it.
Authorities are now focused on the rehabilitation of the rescued workers. This includes providing financial assistance under government schemes, facilitating the opening of bank accounts, and working to reunite the survivors with their families. Efforts are underway to trace the relatives of all rescued individuals, with contact established for some. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to thoroughly investigate the entire case and gather evidence.
The Chenab Times News Desk