: Eleven bonded labourers, including five women, were rescued from Velambi village in Timiri block on Wednesday.
Following a complaint from International Justice Mission, an NGO, a team of officials led by P. Murugesan, revenue divisional officer, Ranipet, conducted a raid and rescued the 11 persons belonging to Irulas community.
“They were employed by a person named Ravi for cutting wood. The labourers belonged to six families of the same village. They had received an advance amount and were working as bonded labourers for nine to 10 years. They were not paid any wages,” he said.
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He said the owner did not allow the labourers to move freely.
“They were not allowed to go to their houses located nearly two to three km away. They had odd working hours. Some of the rescued women complained of sexual harassment,” Mr. Murugesan added.
Relief handed
The officials rescued the labourers, and handed over the immediate relief amount of Rs. 1,000 each.
“We took them back to their homes, and also informed the local body representatives to ensure that they are safe,” the official said. A complaint has been lodged at Kalavai police station. Police have arrested Ravi, he added.