Bonded Labourers Rescued: The Probe Impact

Bonded Labourers Rescued: From Captivity to Freedom 

On January 16, 2024, The Probe team traveled to Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur to investigate a disturbing pattern of disappearances—villagers who had gone missing, only to be trafficked to Punjab and forced into bonded labour. Weeks of groundwork led to the publication of a detailed investigative report on February 3, exposing the harrowing ordeal of these labourers. The report, accompanied by video testimonies, revealed how the workers were allegedly held captive at Sandhu Brick Industries in Moga, Punjab, shedding light on the modern-day slavery hidden behind the state’s booming brick kiln industry.

The Probe’s investigation had uncovered the plight of 10 families—56 individuals, including 26 children—who had allegedly been trapped in bonded labour at Sandhu Brick Industries in Moga. Among the 26 children, 22 had been allegedly forced to work under exploitative conditions. Following the exposé, authorities sprang into action. When the rescue team arrived, two families were untraceable, but the remaining eight families were successfully freed by the Moga district administration leading to the rescue of 46 bonded labourers including women and children.

While The Probe had visited Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar on January 16, the decision to delay publication was a calculated one. The safety of the bonded labourers trapped inside the Moga brick kiln was paramount. Instead of rushing the story, the team coordinated with organisations dedicated to eradicating bonded labour, ensuring that any exposure would not jeopardise the lives of those still in captivity.

Five organisations were actively engaged with the trapped labourers—Mehnatkash Association, Volunteer for Social Justice, Zila Yuva Vikas Sangathan, National Campaign Committee for Eradication of Bonded Labour, and CCBI. The Probe maintained contact with two of these groups, setting off a chain reaction that alerted the authorities to the plight of the labourers.

A formal complaint was filed by the National Campaign Committee for Eradication of Bonded Labour, one of the organisations The Probe closely coordinated with. This triggered action from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which swiftly intervened, issuing directives to key officials, including the District Magistrate of Moga, the Labour Commissioner of Punjab, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police, Punjab.

The NHRC’s instructions were unequivocal—the Punjab government was ordered to rescue the workers and ensure that all children were presented before the Child Welfare Committee for rehabilitation under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Additionally, the Moga district administration has been asked to submit an action taken report on the matter. 

Rescued Workers Face Uncertain Future 

Following the rescue operation, The Probe reached out to Ramandeep Sharma, the Labour Inspector from Punjab who was directly involved in the mission. Confirming the developments, Sharma stated, "There were two families missing, but we have rescued the remaining eight families. There were about 46 people. We have recorded their statements and made arrangements for them to return to their respective villages."

However, when questioned about the employer’s accountability, Sharma revealed that rather than being arrested, the employer would merely be asked to pay a fine—raising concerns about the lax enforcement of laws meant to combat bonded labour.

The Probe also spoke to Nirmal Gorana, Convenor of the National Campaign Committee for Eradication of Bonded Labour, who pointed to a systemic failure in handling such cases. "This is the whole problem. The district administration has rescued the labourers, but they haven’t even given us a release order," he said. "We were present at the site when the labourers were rescued. The bonded labourers gave statements to the administration confirming that they were held captive and forced to work. The question is—will the administration acknowledge this in their report and issue release certificates mentioning that they were bonded labourers, or will they just brush it aside as a minor offence, let the employer pay a nominal fine, and walk free? This is the root issue. When authorities fail to take strict measures, they allow the vicious cycle of bonded labour to continue."

The absence of a formal release order acknowledging that these individuals were bonded labourers poses a serious threat to their future. Without this crucial document, the rescued workers will be unable to obtain release certificates from the government—certificates issued under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, which serve as official proof of their liberation from forced labour.

These certificates are not just paperwork; they are a lifeline. They provide legal protection, ensuring that former employers or other exploiters cannot re-enslave them. They also grant access to rehabilitation schemes, entitling victims to government assistance, including financial aid, skill training, and livelihood support—all essential for rebuilding their lives. Moreover, they play a key role in securing compensation and justice, strengthening their case for legal action against those who exploited them.

However, many district authorities prefer to bury such cases rather than acknowledge them. Issuing release certificates would mean admitting that bonded labour—a practice officially abolished decades ago—still thrives within their jurisdiction. Fearing public shame and bureaucratic accountability, many officials choose instead to downplay the issue, denying victims the legal recognition and support they are entitled to. This deliberate suppression not only obstructs justice but also perpetuates the cycle of exploitation, leaving vulnerable workers trapped in a system that refuses to acknowledge their suffering.

The Probe also spoke to the rescued workers, capturing their relief and lingering uncertainty about the future. Arvind Kumar expressed both gratitude and concern. "I am so happy. My father, mother, my two brothers, their wives, and two young children from my family have been rescued. We are hoping that the government will show us some light. We are thankful that we have been rescued—but now what? We are waiting for help," Kumar stated.

The Probe will continue to monitor this case closely and provide updates as new developments unfold. We remain committed to shedding light on the plight of these bonded labourers and ensuring that their voices are heard. To read our in-depth report on how these individuals were trapped, who was behind their enslavement, and the harrowing conditions they endured, click here.