Over 1000 bonded labourers rescued from brick kilns in Nizamabad

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

A major rescue operation was carried out in Telangana’s Nizamabad district after more than 1000 labourers, including children, were rescued from alleged bonded labour conditions at brick kilns in Armoor and Aloor mandals. Acting on directions from the Legal Services Authority, officials conducted surprise inspections in Degam and Maggidi villages following a complaint received by the authority.

The operation covered five brick kilns in Degam village, also known as Degaon, where workers from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha were allegedly subjected to severe exploitation. District Judge Bharath Lakshmi, Armur senior advocate Sridevi, and officials from the labour, revenue and police departments led the raids. BTR Brick Kiln was identified as the main site, with inspections extending to four adjoining kilns.

Three special police teams comprising nearly 30 personnel from the Armoor division participated in the operation. Officials initially rescued around 100 to 150 workers, but the number later rose to over 1000 as inspections continued across multiple units. Several rescued labourers, including women and children, were found in weak and malnourished condition. The operation began after a labourer who escaped from the kiln approached the Telangana State Legal Services Authority in Hyderabad. Based on his complaint, authorities launched the coordinated raids.

Workers alleged they were forced to work from 3 am to 11 pm without proper rest or facilities. They also complained of non-payment of minimum wages, lack of labour records, restriction of movement, intimidation, physical and mental harassment, and voucher-based payments instead of wages. One worker from Tamil Nadu alleged he survived on a Rs 200 weekly grocery voucher despite working for nearly four years.

Officials also recorded allegations of physical and sexual violence, indicating serious labour law violations and bondage-like conditions. The rescued workers were shifted to the Kshatriya Function Hall in Armur, where shelter, food, medical care and transport arrangements were provided. Authorities ordered strict legal action, including sealing of the brick kilns.