Bonded labour case: Contractors booked for forcing Hyderabad couple to work for four years
Hyderabad's Miyapur police have registered a case against two contractors for allegedly confining a couple and forcing them to work as bonded labourers for the past four years. The contractors, identified as Ramulu and Krishna, are accused of bringing the couple to an under-construction building in Prem Nagar, New Hafeezpet, and compelling them to work without wages.
According to the complaint filed by A. Srinu, Mandal Revenue Inspector of Serilingampally, the couple — Kota Srinivas, 40, and his wife Ramya — had borrowed ₹2 lakh from Ramulu and ₹1 lakh from Krishna to meet medical expenses for Srinivas's wife. The contractors then allegedly used this debt to force the couple into bonded labour.
Bonded labour is a form of forced labour where a person is compelled to work to repay a debt. The practice is prohibited under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, which also criminalises anyone who compels another person to render bonded labour. Article 23 of the Constitution of India also prohibits forced labour.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act. An investigation is underway, and no arrests have been reported so far.
The incident highlights the persistent issue of bonded labour in India, despite legal prohibitions. Authorities are urged to ensure that victims are rehabilitated and the accused are brought to justice.
