Tanima Ray

Bhubaneswar: A group of 12 bonded labourers including 4 children and a pregnant woman hailing from Bolangir district of Odisha are allegedly held captive in a brick kiln in Andhra Pradesh.

The labourers have alleged that the owner of the brick kiln, where they are engaged, has been abusing and exploiting them. Mahadev Bag, whose family members are allegedly held captive along with him, contacted OTV over phone and narrated his ordeal, while seeking help.

The labourers from Atakata village in Dhumabhata Panchayat under Belapada Police limits in Bolangir district went to Andhra on December 10, 2018 through a contractor. Subsequently, they were then engaged in a brick kiln.

"The administration seized the kiln on February 8th over lack of proper documents. Since then the owner has been tormenting us. We are not getting any food to eat and are dying in hunger. The owner threatens and thrashes us if we ask for basic amenities. My wife is pregnant and I sought permission for her medical check up, but was threatened. Please save us from this situation,'' said Mahadev while pleading for his rescue to OTV team.

No response has been received from the Bolangir district labour officer and any other concerned government official.

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