A group of twelve labourers from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district, allegedly stranded and subjected to severe harassment in Kyrgyzstan, has become the focus of an urgent administrative probe. The district administration has submitted a detailed factual report to the state's Home Department, paving the way for potential repatriation efforts.
Administration Compiles Report for Government Action
District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh confirmed the report's submission on Friday, following a specific directive from the Uttar Pradesh Home Department. The department had sought factual details and ordered the Superintendent of Police to conduct a thorough inquiry into the distressing situation. "Information about all 12 persons stranded in Kyrgyzstan has been compiled and sent to the government so that the due process can be initiated for their safe return," Singh stated, according to PTI.
The investigation was triggered after desperate family members repeatedly approached local police and administrative officials. Earlier this week, several relatives met with DM Singh and Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav to narrate the workers' ordeal. SP Yadav confirmed that the case has been assigned to CO City Deepak Chaturvedi for a detailed investigation.
Families Allege Fraud, Abuse, and Extortion
The families have identified the stranded men as Ravi Kumar, Ajay, Chandrapal, Santram, Rohit, Ramesh, Harswaroop, Shyamcharan, Sanjeev, Prempal, Ramasare, and Harishankar. According to their relatives, the workers were sent to Kyrgyzstan nearly three months ago by agents associated with a local recruitment agency. Each worker reportedly paid around Rs 2.5 lakh for what turned out to be "misleading contracts" and were sent on a short-term 59-day visa.
The allegations are grave. Families claim the men are now being forced to work in different cities, denied adequate food, and prevented from returning home. Shockingly, they allege the workers are being beaten and treated "worse than animals." In a further blow, the local agents who sent them abroad are now allegedly demanding up to Rs 2 lakh to facilitate their return. The stranded labourers have been sending video messages to their families, pleading for rescue. These video appeals have been included as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Probe Focuses on Local Agency's False Promises
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav noted that the families have submitted written complaints. These complaints point fingers at a local firm operating from a city colony in Pilibhit, along with its representatives, accusing them of playing a central role in sending the workers abroad based on false promises. Officials have confirmed that all twelve workers desperately want to return to India at the earliest.
The district administration's compiled report is now a crucial document. It is expected to assist the Uttar Pradesh state government in taking concrete diplomatic and administrative steps to facilitate the safe repatriation of the twelve labourers from Kyrgyzstan. The case highlights the persistent risks faced by Indian migrant workers who fall prey to unscrupulous recruitment agents.
