Following the broadcasting of a report in OTV about the plight of a migrant worker’s family from Bolangir in Andhra Pradesh, their younger daughter, who has been kept as a mortgage at a brick kiln in the neighbouring state, is returning to Odisha.
As per reports, Kanhu Mallick from Sulekele village under Belpada block in the district had been to Andhra Pradesh along with his wife and two daughters to work in a brick kiln as a migrant worker two months ago. He had taken Rs 80,000 as advance from the brick kiln owner through an agent of the migrant workers named Samaru Nayak who hails from Tentulikhunti village under Tureikela police station in the district.
However, after working for some days in the brick kiln, Kanhu reportedly fell ill. Despite his illness, he was allegedly forced to work by the brick kiln owner and Samaru. At last, Kanhu’s family decided to return home by keeping their younger daughter as mortgage near Samaru as he demanded a return of the advance amount given to them.
With no alternative in hand, Kanhu returned home with his other family members by leaving the younger daughter near Samaru. They managed to send Rs 50,000 to Samaru through PhonePe after selling their lands. However, Samaru demanded Rs 30,000 more to release the little girl. However, Kanhu couldn’t manage the rest of the amount and his little daughter was not released. At last, Kanhu passed away longing for his daughter.
After the broadcast of the ordeal of the hapless migrant worker's family in OTV, Odisha Labour Department reportedly sprang into action. Following the intervention of the department, the little girl was eventually released by the migrant worker’s agent. She is currently on her way home from Andhra Pradesh.