VILLUPURAM: In a decisive operation underscoring the persistent blight of bonded labour, nine individuals belonging to the Irular tribal community were successfully rescued on Wednesday from exploitative conditions at two private chicken farms located in the Marakkanam taluk of Villupuram district. The rescue, which freed three entire families, was initiated after authorities received a formal petition detailing harrowing accounts of brutal physical assault and modern-day servitude.
The catalyst for the intervention came when a dedicated organization working for the eradication of bonded labourers received confidential information regarding the plight of the workers. This information was subsequently compiled into a formal petition and submitted to the office of Tindivanam Sub-Collector, Aakash. The petition alleged that three families were suffering severe abuse while being forced to work as bonded labourers at two separate poultry units—one situated in Vaidapakkam, under Siruvadi panchayat, and the other in Puliyanur, which falls under Vellimedupettai panchayat.
Acting swiftly on these serious allegations, a coordinated team of officials was assembled. The team included the Tahsildar of Tindivanam, the Marakkanam Taluk Labour Sub-Inspector, revenue department officials, and local police personnel. This multi-departmental task force conducted simultaneous raids on the two identified chicken farms, leading to the liberation of the nine victims, who are natives of Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts.
According to official sources, the victims’ ordeal began approximately one year ago when they accepted a loan of ₹30,000 from the owners of the farms. This financial transaction, a common tactic used to entrap vulnerable individuals, formed the basis of their bondage. The labourers had ostensibly agreed to work off the debt for a promised daily wage of ₹500. However, instead of a fair working arrangement, they were subjected to a cycle of exploitation. The sources claimed that over the course of the year, the individuals faced repeated verbal abuse and physical assault. The oppressive environment and their perceived indebtedness created a climate of fear, leaving them feeling powerless to escape their situation.
Following their rescue, the nine individuals were immediately transported to the Government Hospital in Tindivanam for comprehensive medical examinations to assess and document any injuries sustained during their period of captivity. In a critical procedural step, the authorities formally handed them release certificates, legal documents that officially affirm their freedom from bondage and are essential for accessing subsequent government rehabilitation schemes. After completing the necessary formalities, the rescued families were safely sent back to their native villages, marking the end of a traumatic chapter and the beginning of their journey toward recovery.
