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Arsikere police, on Tuesday, rescued 55 bonded labourers, who were made to stay put in a shelter with no basic amenities at Annenahalli. The workers, who were from different places including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, were forced to work in agriculture fields with no regular income and proper food.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of officials conducted the raid and rescued the labourers, who included 10 women. The workers were in tears as the officers reached the place and assured them that they would be released. Workers shared their torturous experience at the workplace with the police.
“We are forced to get up at 5 a.m. and be ready for work within 15 minutes”, said a labourer from Hanagal in Haveri district. The employer had deputed his men to keep a watch on the workers throughout the day. There was no way to escape from the place as the entire farmland had been fenced. “We are provided with rice and sambar all the time. Whoever attempts to run away or picks up an argument with the employer is beaten up. I hope those in prison would be better than us”, he said.
Another worker from Solapur in Maharashtra said he had been stuck in the place for the last two months. “The day I came here, my phone was snatched. They did not allow me to call my grandson, even after my repeated requests”, he said with tears. A woman employee, native of Chikkamagaluru, said she was brought to this place assuring her a good payment and simple work. “I have not got payment so far. We have to work in the fields and also cook in the evening”, she said.
Habitual offender
A team of four people led by Munesh is said to have been involved in engaging these workers. The accused would woo gullible people in bus stands and railway stations, assuring them good payment. Later they would be forced to work in ginger farms and tomato farms with no payment.
B.N.Nadini, Additional SP of Hassan, said Munesh, the main accused, was a habitual offender. Three years ago he was arrested in a similar case near Dudda in Hassan taluk. “The workers were forced to work with no payment. They had been put in a place with no minimum facility. We have contacted the officers of the Revenue Department and the Department of Women and Child Development for further procedures. The departments concerned will look after the rehabilitation of the rescued people”, she said.
The police had booked the case under relevant acts related to bonded labourers and human trafficking. The accused would be arrested, she added.
