Three bonded labourers from the Irula community were rescued from a casuarina grove in Uliyampakkam, Karapanthangal under Arakkonam taluk of Vellore district. Based on specific information, revenue officials led by Ranipet Sub-Collector K. Elambahavath, conducted an inquiry on Wednesday at the site.
The officials found that three labourers from Valarpuram in Arakkonam taluk, Shanmugam, Angammal and their son Palayam were working in the grove without receiving proper wages and other amenities for years for borrowing ₹2.70 lakh from the landlord.
The labourers were held in bondage for more than ten years. The rescue operation was carried out by officials from the revenue and police department, based on a message passed by a non-governmental organisation.
According to officials, though daily wages were promised to the labourers, the employer did not keep up his word and exploited them.
Financial aid
“The rescued workers have been provided an assistance of ₹1,000, and sent to their home towns. Their rehabilitation would be ensured by the respective RDO, who has been communicated through the District Collectorate,” said Mr. Elambahvath.
