Authorities rescued ten bonded labourers from a brick kiln in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, following reports of exploitation and bonded labour.
The workers, belonging to three families from Jarelpada village under Bharuamunda Panchayat in Sinapali block of Nuapada district, were handed over to the Nuapada administration after the rescue.
Officials launched the operation on January 9, 2026, at Muradi village in Guledagudda taluk after receiving complaints that five workers faced severe abuse. Investigators discovered that a middleman had trafficked five women and five men to the kiln, where they were forced to work as bonded labourers.
The workers revealed that each family received an advance of Rs 10,000, with a promise of Rs 40,000 upon arrival. However, the promised payment never came. Instead, kiln owners compelled them to work more than 12 hours daily under harsh conditions, subjecting them to exploitation and mistreatment.
During the inquiry, officials confirmed violations under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act and registered a case against the employer. Bagalkot’s Assistant Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Magistrate reported that the workers requested to return to their native village. Consequently, authorities freed them from the kiln and coordinated with Nuapada district administration to ensure their safe return.
Finally, officials issued release certificates to all ten rescued workers, granting them legal recognition as freed bonded labourers.
