Daijiworld Media Network – Muzaffarnagar

Muzaffarnagar, Jun 24: Thirteen labourers were rescued from a factory in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district after authorities uncovered what officials described as a suspected bonded labour operation during a joint raid by the Labour Department, police and district administration.

The workers alleged they had been confined inside the factory for nearly two years after being lured with promises of employment, regular wages and a better livelihood.

According to officials, the labourers hailed from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttarakhand, various districts of Uttar Pradesh and even Nepal.

The rescue operation was launched after one of the workers reportedly managed to escape and informed the police that several labourers were being held against their will inside the factory.

Acting on the tip-off, authorities conducted a raid on Monday and rescued 13 workers identified as Ramu, Vikram, Narayan, Sitaram, Santosh, Shivam Jatav, Jagdish, Rajhans, Sahil, Ranjeet Paswan, Dilshad, Ujjwal and Sonu Chauhan.

Two persons, identified as Shivam Tyagi and Pradeep Baliyan, were arrested during the operation. Police also recovered sticks and other objects allegedly used to assault the workers.

The rescued labourers told officials that soon after arriving at the factory, their mobile phones and Aadhaar cards were confiscated, effectively cutting off contact with their families.

They alleged they were not paid wages and were subjected to repeated physical abuse. According to their statements, they were often provided only dry bread once every 24 hours and were beaten if they questioned the treatment or attempted to escape.

The workers further claimed that two pitbull dogs were kept on the premises to intimidate them and prevent them from fleeing.

Some of the labourers reportedly bore visible injuries and marks that they said were the result of prolonged abuse.

Police are also examining allegations that some labourers who had allegedly been confined at the factory for extended periods may have died during captivity.

Officials said these claims are being investigated, though no confirmation has been made so far.

The rescued workers were taken for medical examinations and treatment following the operation.

After their rescue, authorities welcomed them with garlands and initiated arrangements to help them return to their respective homes.

Police said investigations are continuing into allegations of illegal confinement, bonded labour, assault and exploitation, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.