Shocking Case of Bonded Labor and Murder Uncovered in Uttar Pradesh

A shocking case of bonded labor and murder has surfaced in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where a worker was allegedly tortured to death. Following a police raid at a paper plate factory, authorities discovered that the victim's body was hidden in a bag. The investigation has led to arrests, including one suspect still at large. The plight of the rescued laborers, who faced severe abuse, is being addressed through medical examinations and rehabilitation efforts. This incident highlights the urgent need for action against labor exploitation in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 12:25 IST

Grim Discovery in Muzaffarnagar

A deeply disturbing incident has emerged from Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh. Following a raid at a paper plate manufacturing unit in the Titawi police station area, authorities uncovered a shocking case of bonded labor, which included the torture and subsequent murder of a worker. Investigations revealed that a laborer was allegedly subjected to brutal treatment, leading to his death, after which his body was disposed of in a bag.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar reported on Thursday that these revelations came to light during the investigation into the bonded labor case at the factory in Mandi village.

Identification and Arrests Made

The deceased has been identified as Arjun. Allegations state that he suffered inhumane torture at the factory in November 2025, resulting in his death. Following this, his body was concealed in a bag and discarded. Police have filed another case against factory owner Ankit Baliyan and Shiva Tyagi. While Shiva Tyagi has been apprehended, the main suspect, Ankit Baliyan, remains at large. Two police teams have been formed to locate him.

Kumar also mentioned that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence.

Medical Examination and Rehabilitation Efforts

All 12 rescued laborers have undergone medical examinations, and their treatment is ongoing. The victims have been presented before a magistrate to record their statements.

The district administration and labor department are working together on the rehabilitation process for the affected workers. They are making efforts to provide assistance under government schemes, open bank accounts for them, and reunite them with their families.

So far, contact has been established with the families of four laborers, while efforts to locate the families of the remaining workers are still underway.

Conditions Faced by Laborers

It is noteworthy that on June 22, authorities raided the paper plate factory in Mandi village, rescuing 12 bonded laborers, including minors. Initial investigations revealed that the workers were lured from various states with the promise of a monthly salary of 12,000 rupees.

However, they were neither paid wages nor allowed to leave the factory premises. Allegations indicate that they were kept imprisoned in the factory for over a year, forced to work under inhumane conditions.

Many of the rescued laborers bore marks of injuries and torture. They reported to investigators that they were beaten if they attempted to leave the factory.

Allegations of Severe Abuse

The victims have claimed that they were subjected to severe beatings, attacked with sharp objects, whipped, bitten by dogs, and even forced to eat animal feed.

Previously, police had registered cases against factory owner Ankit Baliyan, Pradeep Baliyan, and Shiva Tyagi under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, and the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. Pradeep Baliyan and Shiva Tyagi have been arrested, while Ankit Baliyan is still on the run.