Nuapada: Four middlemen were arrested by Sinapali Police on Thursday while allegedly trafficking 30 persons as bonded labourers to Andhra Pradesh.
The incident comes amid the resurgence of mass migration from Odisha to other States especially among the working class with the relaxations of COVID19 pandemic restrictions.
As per reports, the Sinapali Police apprehended a private bus near Hatibandha village following on a tip off about people being taken to Andhra Pradesh in a bus to be engaged as bonded labourers.
The bus named 'Janardan' bearing registration number OD 08M 0675 was reportedly enroute to Hyderabad when the police stopped it near Hatibandha. After seizing the bus, the police arrested its driver, helper and conductor too.
Sources said, the rescued persons belonged to Nuapada, Bolangir and Sonepur districts.
Despite the state government's tall claims of providing livelihood opportunities to the migrants who had returned to Odisha during lockdown, the ground reality, which is contrary to the claims of the government is reportedly forcing them again to leave home.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)