Bhubaneswar: The state government has asked the Andhra Pradesh Labour Commissioner to inquire into the alleged attack on an Odia migrant brick kiln worker in Vizianagarm and take legal action against the guilty.
The Odisha Migrant Labour Help Desk Liaison officer in Andhra Pradesh was also directed to visit the spot along with a labour officer of Andhra Pradesh for a reality check.
The labour Commissioner office sources here said soon after the incident was reported in the media, the Sundargarh District Collector and Superintendent of Police were requested to send a team to rescue the other Odia migrant workers from the brick kilns.
As per the reports, one Jaydev Chandnia of Burta village under Kanika Gram panchayat of Hemagiri block in Sundargarh district working in a brick kiln in Vizianagaram was attacked with acid and his finger was chopped off after he tried to flee the place due to poor working conditions.
Jaydev along with 10 others from the locality had gone to Vizianagaram through a labour contractor to work there in a brick kiln.
They were promised handsome wages, food and accommodation but denied everything except food. They were also forced to work for longer hours.
While two of his colleagues managed to escape, Jaydev was caught while trying to flee and attacked. He, however, managed to escape and reach his village Tuesday last.
He was first admitted to the local hospital but later shifted to the district headquarters hospital.
Soon after the news spread, Rourkela assistant labour officer on the direction of the state Labour Commissioner visited the victim December 18 and interacted with his family members.
Sundargarh district Collector provided Rs 25,000 to the family members of the victim from the District Red Cross Society.
The District Labour Officer has issued a show-cause notice to labour contractor Bilas Damunia, a resident of Baragarh, who has arranged the work.
