Three Bonded Labourers from Tiruvannamalai Rescued in Karnataka

Three men from remote villages in Tiruvannamalai district were rescued from sugarcane fields in Karnataka and returned to their hometown on Sunday, following an alert that led to a joint operation by revenue officials in both states.

The rescued workers were identified as K. Murugan, 28, from Agarampallipattu; John Bosco, 40, from Navampattu; and K. Anbalagan, 58. According to revenue officials, the men had been working on the farm for several years after being lured by agents who paid them advances of ₹10,000–15,000 before sending them to the fields.

During the initial inquiry, the workers said they were forced to live in small huts without proper drinking water or toilet facilities. They were made to work more than 15 hours a day, and the farm in-charge and his men allegedly beat them if they rested in the shade or even stopped to drink water.

Acting on the alert, Karnataka revenue officials inspected the farmland and rescued the workers. They then informed their counterparts in Vellore, and Tiruvannamalai Collector Vandana Garg ordered officials to ensure the men's safe return.

Upon arrival, the rescued workers were issued release certificates signed by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in Tiruvannamalai. These certificates will enable them to receive financial aid and access government welfare schemes meant for bonded labourers, officials added.