Telangana Rescues 518 Alleged Bonded Labourers from Nizamabad Brick Kilns

In a major crackdown on alleged human trafficking and labour exploitation, authorities in Telangana’s Nizamabad district rescued 518 alleged bonded labourers , including 186 children and 10 infants , from brick kilns operating in Armoor mandal after an escaped worker alerted legal authorities about the conditions inside the units.

The rescue operation, carried out on May 19 near Degam and Maggidi villages , is being described as one of the largest bonded labour rescue missions in the region in recent years. Officials from the Judicial, Revenue, Police, Labour, Health and Child Protection Departments jointly conducted the raids following directions from the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA) .

According to officials, the operation was triggered after two migrant labourers — identified as Thupakula Babu from Andhra Pradesh and Sathyaveti Ajith from Tamil Nadu — allegedly escaped from the brick kilns and submitted a complaint with the help of rights organisation International Justice Mission (IJM) . The complaint accused kiln operators of forcing migrant families into exploitative labour under harsh and inhuman conditions.

Authorities said the rescued workers belonged mainly to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Odisha . Nearly 112 families were found living in makeshift shelters lacking drinking water, sanitation, medical care and proper food facilities. Several workers were reportedly suffering from health complications, while children were found staying amid thick brick dust and extreme summer temperatures.

Survivors alleged they were forced to work from 3 AM to 11 PM with little rest and were either underpaid or denied wages altogether. Some workers claimed they received only grocery vouchers redeemable at selected shops instead of cash payments. Complaints also included allegations of intimidation, restricted movement, debt bondage and threats against those attempting to escape.

Officials further stated that minors above the age of 13 were allegedly engaged in brick kiln work alongside adults. Testimonies recorded during the rescue also mentioned instances of physical abuse and coercion.

Principal District and Sessions Judge G.V.N. Bharatha Laxmi , who supervised the operation, said the conditions indicated serious violations linked to bonded labour practices. Police have registered cases against the kiln operators, while the rescued families were shifted to temporary shelters and provided medical assistance, food and counselling.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the continued exploitation of migrant workers in India’s informal brick kiln sector, where labour activists say debt-based employment systems and lack of oversight leave vulnerable families trapped in abusive working conditions.