A 20-year-old youth, who was sent to work in a snack unit in Haryana few months back in an alleged case of bonded labour, has returned home after he developed mental illness, probably due to torture or harassment at workplace.
K. Rajamani, the boy’s father from Vilampatti near Usilampatti, said his son, who had passed Class 9, was working as a mechanic before he was sent to work at the snack unit.
“I worked as a driver for a person who runs snack unit and eatery selling idlis and dosas in Karnal in Haryana, close to Delhi. I had borrowed some money from him,” he said. He added that the person made an offer that he could repay the money by sending his son to work with him. “He also promised to pay my son a salary of around ₹ 4,000, which he never paid,” he said.
Around three weeks back, Rajamani was reportedly informed by the owner that his son had become mentally unwell and therefore he was sending him back. Rajamani said that his elder brother K. Thavamani travelled to Delhi and brought him back. “He was not conscious about his surroundings and a bit violent. He is not able to explain what happened to him although he tells occasionally that he was beaten up in the head,” Thavamani said.
Ironically, Thavamani said that his son who was sent to work in a snack company in Gujarat around eight years ago faced a similar fate. “He went insane. He has not recovered even now,” he said.
The youth has been admitted at Government Rajaji Hospital for treatment.
The family said they were planning to petition the Collector seeking action against the snack unit owner along with compensation and medical assistance for the youth.
A. Kathir, Executive Director of non-governmental organisation Evidence, which is assisting the family, said the police should register a case under Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act and adequate compensation be given to the family.
