Bhubaneswar: The vulnerability of migrant workers from southern Odisha to exploitation outside the state has come into sharp focus once again with the rescue of five youths from Gajapati district, who were allegedly trapped in bonded labour and subjected to subhuman working conditions at a fish-processing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district.
The rescued youths were identified as Abhilash Dalabehera, 21, Nithaniel Raita, 24, Jar biem Gamang, 23, Bikash Majhi, 22, and Akshya Patamajhi, 23. The youths, all from R. Udayagiri sub-division, were rescued in a coordinated op eration by Gajapati police and their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh following a complaint from their families. The families had approached R. Udayagiri Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, alleging that their sons had been taken to Andhra Pradesh on the promise of employment but were subsequently kept at an isolated coastal location and made to work at a fish-processing unit for nearly two months. The youths were allegedly subjected to inhuman working conditions, inadequate food and drinking water, non-payment of wages and constant surveillance. Their mobile phones were also allegedly confiscated by the employer, cutting them off from their families. They were reportedly threatened when they sought to leave or contact their relatives.
Acting on the complaint, SD PO Sahoo immediately contacted the Andhra Pradesh Police and sought assistance from the Bapatla police. A police team was subsequently deployed to locate the youths and, in coordination with Gajapati police, rescued all five and facilitated their safe return home. The rescued youths and their family members later met SDPO Sahoo and thanked the police for their prompt intervention. Gajapati Police is coordinating with Bapatla Police for legal action against those allegedly responsible, while the District Labour Office has been informed for appropriate action under the applicable labour laws.
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