Twelve bonded labourers, including minors, have been rescued from a disposable plate manufacturing factory in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar after allegedly enduring months of brutal abuse, forced labour and illegal confinement. Two accused have been arrested, while the factory owner remains absconding as police continue their investigation.
The rescue operation was carried out following a joint raid by the police, labour department and district administration at a factory in Mandi village under the Titawi police station limits. Authorities acted after one of the labourers reportedly managed to escape and alerted the police, exposing the alleged bonded labour racket operating inside the factory.
The rescued workers described horrifying conditions inside the factory. They alleged they were lured from different states with promises of jobs paying ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per month, along with food and accommodation. Instead, they claimed they were locked inside the premises, their mobile phones confiscated, wages withheld and forced to work from around 4 a.m. until midnight every day. According to the survivors, they were allowed only two to three hours of sleep and were regularly beaten with belts, rods and other objects if they slowed down or complained.
The labourers also alleged they were fed only a few rotis made from cattle-feed bran with salt and chilli, without vegetables or dal for months. They claimed the factory was surrounded by CCTV cameras and guarded by pit bull dogs, making escape nearly impossible. Some workers said the dogs were fed better than they were and were allegedly used to intimidate anyone attempting to flee. Visible injury marks were found on several of the rescued labourers during medical examinations.
The investigation has taken an even darker turn after workers alleged that a fellow labourer, identified as Arjun, died inside the factory last year after being tortured. According to their statements, his body was allegedly packed into a sack and disposed of. Police have registered a fresh case to investigate the alleged murder and disposal of the body.
Police have arrested supervisor Shiva Tyagi, while another accused has also been taken into custody. Factory owner Ankit Balyan is absconding, and teams have been formed to trace him and other suspects. The accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
Officials said all rescued labourers have undergone medical examinations and are receiving treatment and counselling. The administration has begun the process of reuniting them with their families and providing financial assistance under the bonded labour rehabilitation scheme, while the investigation into the alleged human trafficking and abuse continues.
