Rajasthan Police's Daring Rescue: 53 Tribal Workers Freed from Labour Trafficking

Successful Operation by Rajasthan Police

Jaipur: The Pratapgarh District Police in Rajasthan has successfully liberated 53 tribal workers who were held captive in Solapur district, Maharashtra, after being deceived with false job offers.

Under the leadership of Superintendent of Police B. Aditya and Additional Superintendent of Police Gajendra Singh Jodha, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Sohanlal from Ghantali Police Station executed the rescue operation.

On December 22, the Superintendent of Police received a tip-off regarding the abduction of individuals from villages such as Varda, Jamli, Maliya, Gothra, Umariya Pada, Bada Kali Ghati, Thesla, and Kumari, who had been taken to Jabud village in Solapur district approximately two months prior.

The victims were misled by a local individual who promised them employment, according to police reports.

Subsequently, the labourers managed to contact their families, revealing that brokers Sitaram Patil from Maharashtra and Khan from Alwar, Rajasthan, had conspired to lure around 100 workers with promises of Rs 500 per day, along with free food and lodging in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Instead, they were forced to work in sugarcane fields in Solapur.

Broker Khan allegedly received an advance of Rs 9.50 lakh, while Sitaram Patil collected Rs 18 lakh from landowners as wages, only to abandon the workers.

When the labourers demanded their due payments, they faced physical abuse, threats, and confinement in houses and enclosures on the farms, compelling them to work under duress.

Some workers managed to escape when opportunities arose.

Reports also indicate that female labourers were subjected to inappropriate behavior, and none of the workers received any wages.

In light of the humanitarian crisis and adhering to the Rajasthan Police motto, 'Confidence among the public, fear among criminals,' the Superintendent of Police promptly dispatched Sub-Inspector Sohanlal and his team to Maharashtra, accompanied by the families of the affected labourers.

Through persistent efforts and coordination, the police team successfully rescued all 53 workers from various locations.

As the rescued individuals lacked funds for food, travel, or basic necessities, arrangements for their return journey and other support were facilitated by local citizens and public representatives.

All workers were safely returned to Pratapgarh and will be escorted to their respective villages.

A case has been filed at Ghantali Police Station against the individuals involved in this trafficking scheme, and further legal proceedings are in progress.