Bhubaneswar/ Amaravati, April 22: Over sixty migrant workers from Odisha, who had been trapped in bonded labor, were rescued and safely returned to their home state. The rescue operation, spearheaded by the Tirupati district administration, came after reports of mistreatment and coercion by the owners of a brick kiln in a village of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.

The migrant workers, who had been working at the brick kiln for over four months, were part of families who had been lured to the site with promises of work. Each family had received an advance of ₹45,000 and ₹1,000 per week, but faced severe restrictions on their freedom, including limited movement and forced labor.

Following a tip-off, an operation was launched, and the workers were safely rescued and moved to secure locations. Then, the workers were transported with police protection to the Tirupati Collector's office, where they received immediate assistance, including food, shelter, and assurances of safety. Revenue officials ensured that the workers were well taken care of while the investigation continued.

The district administration has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the brick kiln owners and their accomplices.

Additionally, a probe under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976 is underway to ensure justice for the rescued workers. The Collector also issued release certificates to the workers, formally recognizing their status as bonded laborers, which will enable them to access rehabilitation benefits in Odisha.