9 Workers, Including 4 Minors, Rescued from Forced Labor in Kapurthala, Punjab

Chirag Gupta

Sitamarhi: Nine migrant workers, including four minor children, from Meghpur village in Sitamarhi district were rescued from forced labor at a potato farm in Kapurthala, Punjab. The workers were reportedly held hostage by a contractor for two months, made to work 16-17 hours daily, and denied wages. Upon receiving information, the Labour Resources Department of Bihar coordinated with the Kapurthala administration to secure their release.

The rescued individuals were safely brought back to Sitamarhi by the Jan Nayak train. Among them were minor children Durga Kumar, Aashiq Kumar, Krishna Kumar, and Neeraj Kumar, who were presented before the Child Welfare Committee as per protocol. The adult workers-Rajkishore Sada, Mukesh Kumar, Prakash Kumar, Feku Sada, and Bundel Paswan-have been reunited with their families, bringing relief and happiness to Meghpur village.

The rescued workers described their ordeal, stating that the contractor forced them to work double shifts, denied wages, and subjected them to physical abuse when they demanded money for food. They warned others not to fall into the trap of such contractors and avoid sending minors for labor. “It feels like we’ve escaped from jail,” they said, expressing gratitude to the administration for their rescue.

The Labour Resources Department has ensured that the minor children will be enrolled in school and provided with support under various government schemes, including the Chief Minister Relief Fund, housing schemes, and ration cards. The department has also pledged assistance to prevent such incidents in the future.