Sangareddy, March 30: Ramavanth Rajput is in his early 30s. A native of Borde village in Kalhandi district of Orissa, Ramavanth and his four-member family migrated to Begumpet tanda in Sangareddy mandal of Medak district in search of greener pasture. But his dreams were shattered and instead he landed in a debt trap after taking an advance of Rs. 28,000 while working at a brick kiln.
Thanks to a Hyderabad-based NGO — Action Aid India — Ramavanth and 52 others working as bonded labour in the brick kiln were rescued on Monday night with the help of officials of the Labour, Police, and Revenue departments.
Working as a labourer with his wife and son, Ramavanth was forced to toil for more than 18 hours day. He was denied wages and even medical treatment when required. “We were never treated as human beings and even animals were better off than us,” said a relieved Ramavanth.
“There was a rape attempt on two of our Patri (labour) team on Holi day, and my wife was stripped. We were scared. They even threatened to kill me. Somehow I am lucky to survive,” alleged Bheem Yadav of Limrla village of Bolangir district.
After facing many troubles, they were able to contact one of the workers of Action Aid India which rescued them with the help of the district officials.
As many as 53 bonded labourers from 12 Patris were rescued on Monday night and brought to the district headquarters for rehabilitation. They are ready to go back to their native places instead of struggling here for survival.
“Many of the Patris are not even paid advances,” said G. Rajasekhar, a representative of Action Aid, who was instrumental in rescuing these labourers. They would be sent to their native place shortly, he added.
The Sangareddy police registered a case against the brick kiln owner Osman and are investigating.
–Agencies