South Asia
Local Partner Rescues 26 from Spinning Mills and a Cardboard Making Unit
Signs of transformation in India continue to break through.
While investigating a lead in a missing person case, a local official began to suspect that many members of a village in central India were in fact forced labourers. Authorities acted swiftly and decisively.
On Friday 3 May, IJM’s local partner assisted local authorities in conducting surprise raids at 3 sites – two spinning mills and one cardboard manufacturer. In total, 26 people were rescued, including six children.
The newly free labourers were brought to safety, and IJM assisted the government in processing the stories of these families.
“The fundamental reason for the success of the case is that the District Administration and the District Police has a proactive attitude and they responded in a timely manner,” shared Raja, IJM’s local legal advocate.
On Sunday 5 May, the government issued release certificates to all 26 labourers. This important document officially breaks their bond to their owner and allows them to receive rehabilitation support. The local government will provide 19,000 rupees (A$387) to each labourer.
The families were transported back to their home villages to start their new life of freedom.
Read more about this rescue in The Times of India and The Hindu.
