18 Odisha labourers stranded in Dubai allege torture; families seek help

Bhubaneswar: As many as 18 labourers from various parts of Ganjam district are reportedly stranded in Dubai and have alleged physical and mental torture by their employer.

The matter came to light after the family members of the labourers met the Labour Commissioner today seeking intervention in repatriation of the stranded labourers.

Sources said the labourers hailing from Tihania, Ujjwalapur, Padinapalli, Baniaru, Ostapada, Kairasi, Manikapur in Ganjam district have been stranded in Dubai for several months.

In a video released earlier, the labourers had narrated about the hardship faced by them in Dubai.

They have alleged that after moving to work in Dubai with the help of a local agent they have been facing lot of adversities. Despite working overtime, they said that their employer is not willing to pay their dues and is also subjecting them to physical and mental harassment.

Last month, after OTV had telecast a report showing plight of ten Odia labourers stranded in Dubai, nine of them were brought back to India with the help of Ministry of External Affairs.