In a decisive action against modern-day slavery, the Vijayapura district administration successfully rescued ten bonded labourers from agricultural fields on December 24. The operation, which highlights the persistent issue of forced labour, took place in Yakkundi village located within the Babaleshwar taluk.
Rescue Operation: A Coordinated Effort
The raid was led by a dedicated team of officials. Vijayapura assistant commissioner Gurunath Dadde spearheaded the effort, supported by district labour officer Umashri Koli, Bagaleshwar tahsildar Anand Kolar, and labour inspector Mallikarjun. Acting on specific intelligence, the team targeted fields owned by Appalal Ramzansab Mulla.
The operation was set in motion based on a formal complaint filed by revenue inspector Vinay Vishnu Kulkarni at the Babaleshwar police station. The complaint revealed that all the labourers were originally from Chhattisgarh. They had been brought to Vijayapura by a labour contractor named Ramalal Maso Barse from Dantewada district. Shockingly, the workers had not received their wages for the past two months, a clear indicator of their exploitative conditions.
Aftermath and Legal Action
Following their rescue, all ten individuals, which included six women and two minors, underwent thorough health examinations. Subsequently, they were moved to a place of safety at the Vijayapura children's home.
The Babaleshwar police have registered a strong case in response to this incident. The charges have been filed under section 143(3) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and multiple sections—16, 17, 18, and 19—of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. This legal step underscores the seriousness of the offence.
Collaboration and Rehabilitation Promise
The rescue was a result of inter-state cooperation. V Sushila, chief executive officer of the Spandana organisation in Belagavi, explained that the initial information came from the Chhattisgarh labour department. "We requested the Vijayapura assistant commissioner to take immediate action," Sushila stated.
She further confirmed that the district administration has pledged comprehensive support for the survivors. This vital assistance includes providing them with official release certificates, financial aid for rehabilitation, and support to help them restore their livelihoods and reintegrate into society with dignity.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the continued existence of bonded labour and the critical importance of vigilant authorities and robust laws to combat it.
