Suryakant Jena

Bhubaneswar: Just days after reports of torture of nearly a dozen labourers from Odisha by a brick kiln owner in Andhra Pradesh, another shocking episode of as many as 18 women labourers of Koraput district being trapped for the last 3 months at a brick kiln in Hyderabad has raise severe concerns.

According to sources, two contractors from Rayagada district lured the girls from Chuchukana and Piskadang villages of Pipalpadar panchayat in Koraput district on false promises of providing jobs within 50 kms of their villages. However, the contractors allegedly took the girls to Hyderabad and left them at a brick kiln.

Concerned over the safety of the girls after being unable to contact them even after three months, the family members tried to search for them. Recently, after knowing that the girls are trapped at a brick kiln in Hyderabad, the family members urged the owner to release the girls. But the brick kiln owner reportedly said that the girls will not be released until the contractors depose before him.

Subsequently, the family members of the girls sought administrative help.

“The contractors promised to provide high-paying jobs near Rayagada but took the girls to a brick kiln somewhere else and now when we are trying to reach out to the owner, he seems to be out of bounds,” said Alani Sarka, relative of one of the trapped labourers.

After being informed about the matter, a special team of police and the district administration have carried out a detailed investigation and have gone to Hyderabad along with a local villager to rescue the stranded women.

Tapan Narayan Ratha, Laxmipur SDPO said “Every possible step is being taken to rescue the trapped women labourers.”

Deputy Labour Commissioner of Koraput, Geetanjali Pati said her office is regularly staying in touch with the special rescue team which has gone to Hyderabad to rescue the women.

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