Police in Bolangir district rescued 14 migrant labourers near Dedarh Chhak under Khaprakhol police limits late Sunday night.
Officers intercepted a bus carrying the workers to Telangana and arrested the middleman involved in the trafficking attempt.
Khaprakhol block has long been known as a hub for migrant labourers, with hundreds leaving villages every year for daily wage work in other states. On this occasion, Biranchi Mahanand, 38, from Belapada block, allegedly acted as a middleman. He arranged workers from Aelapali village in Patnagarh block and Ambabahali village under Buden police limits in Bargarh district.
Police received information during routine patrolling and stopped the bus at Dedarh Chhak. Investigation revealed that the labourers were being trafficked to Telangana. Officers rescued all 14 workers and detained Biranchi Mahanand.
Khaprakhol police confirmed that the rescued workers were safely sent back to their respective villages. Meanwhile, police registered a case against the middleman and prepared to forward him to court.
Station Officer Narendra Chhatar stated that strict action will follow against those exploiting vulnerable labourers. He added that the police remain vigilant against trafficking networks that target poor families in western Odisha.
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