Rourkela: Relatives of some youths of the Steel City, who were allegedly been trafficked to Jammu and Kashmir and ended up being tortured there, Tuesday alleged that the local administration did not extend any help to facilitate the youths’ return.
Sadhu Lohar, Pan Oram, Chari Oram and Gangi Ekka of Lathikata area along with a social worker, Chandamani Sandil, met the district labour officer and demanded immediate that the administration take immediate steps to ensure the return of youths.
In a complaint, they alleged that met the Rourkela SP and officials of the district labour office in May and apprised them of the condition in writing. Following this, some of them were given Rs 10,000 each as the police mediated in the matter.
“In fact, police had forcibly picked us up from our houses and asked to receive the money. After the receipt of the cash, police asked us to withdraw the complaint. Being illiterate, we had put our signatures where they asked us to sign,” said one of the complainants.
Now, the police are refusing to take any action as the case was withdrawn and are asking the villagers to wait for the return of their relatives, the complainants added.
According to reports, in January this year, a broker took some youths of Lathikata area to Kashmir promising them work there. However, the family members alleged that the youths are being tortured there.
PNN
