NHRC Investigates Bonded Labourers’ Abuse in Uttar Pradesh Factory
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has initiated an investigation following a disturbing report about the abuse of 12 bonded labourers at a paper plate manufacturing facility in Mandi village, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The labourers endured physical assaults and were reportedly forced to work late into the night, all while receiving inadequate food and wages for approximately 18 months. A timely escape by one of the victims prompted a complaint to the Titawi Police Station, which subsequently led to the rescue of the remaining workers. Medical evaluations of the labourers revealed multiple injuries, including cuts, bruises, fractures, and indications of prolonged mistreatment. Authorities are also investigating reports of a fatality among the labourers.
NHRC Responds to Human Rights Violations
The NHRC has expressed grave concerns regarding the serious human rights violations depicted in the report. In response, it has issued formal notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, demanding a comprehensive report on the situation within a fortnight. Additionally, the Commission has instructed the Muzaffarnagar District Magistrate to conduct an inquiry in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure set by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, aligned with the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. The NHRC has also called for the immediate registration of the rescued labourers on the e-Shram Portal, in compliance with its advisory issued in December 2021.
Victims Lured and Abused
According to a media report from June 25, 2026, the victims originate from diverse states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and even Nepal. They were allegedly enticed to the factory by promises of regular employment, fair wages, food, and housing, made at railway stations, bus stands, and other public venues. Once they arrived at the facility, their mobile phones and identity documents were reportedly confiscated, effectively severing their ties with the outside world and their families.
Reports indicate that pit bull dogs were employed to intimidate and prevent the labourers from escaping their grim reality. The continuing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the violations and determine if there are additional casualties among the labourers.
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