The victims alleged that they, along with nearly 70 others, were trapped in a labor shed at Basavapura on Bannerghatta Road and constantly watched by handlers. | Photo credit: tzahiV
Two Bangladeshi youths, who allegedly ran away from their employer after being harassed and exploited, were rescued by a city-based NGO and handed over to the KR Puram police on Sunday.
The pair, identified as Albir, 24, and Sakib, 25, have reportedly confessed to illegally entering Bengaluru to work as rag pickers but were later forced into various illegal activities, including temple theft and other illegal activities. After a preliminary investigation, they were handed over to the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO), while the case was handed over to the Hulimavu police for detailed investigation.
According to their statement, the two were illegally brought from Bangladesh through porous border routes about 12 years ago with promises of jobs and decent wages. However, soon after reaching Bengaluru, their employer allegedly forced them into criminal activities.
After escaping from the work shed, the pair reached KR Puram, where they met Faiz Akram Pasha, a social worker from Bengaluru, near the teahouse road. Pasha and his associates reportedly recorded their statements and later submitted them to the KR Puram police.
The victims alleged that they, along with nearly 70 others, were trapped in a labor shed at Basavapura on Bannerghatta Road and constantly watched by handlers. They alleged that the group was forced to commit thefts, especially targeting temples, besides being involved in drug sales and other illegal activities.
Albir further claimed that he was attacked when he resisted the activities and suffered a broken leg due to the abuse. The duo also alleged that women and girls from Bangladesh, Kolkata and Odisha were trafficked and forced into prostitution.
In their statement, the two admitted that they had recently committed theft at a temple in Bannerghatta under pressure from handlers.
They further accused their alleged employer, identified as Yameen, of organized fraud involving the trafficking and sale of minors. The duo also alleged that the accused were influential in local circles and maintained contacts with some police personnel through bribes.
“We want to go back to our birthplace and ask the police to rescue others who are still being held,” the victims told investigators. The Hulimavu police took charge of the case and started further investigation.
Published – 13 May 2026 19:55 IST
