Three bonded laborers rescued at Kalasthambadi in Tiruvannamalai district

The Revenue Divisional Officer in Tiruvannamalai issued release certificates to the rescued workers to help them get financial assistance and access government schemes meant for involuntary workers. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

In Kalasthambadi village near Chengam in Tiruvannamalai, three persons who were allegedly working as indentured laborers were rescued on Sunday (September 13, 2026).

Finance Ministry officials said the rescued persons were K. Viji (25), his wife V. Sasikala (23) and his brother K. Surya (19). The couple has a one-year-old daughter. They are the residents of Kalasthambadi. “According to information, collector Vandana Garg has directed revenue department officials and the police to rescue the workers. A team of officials conducted an inspection and found that they were working in inhumane conditions for the last few years,” the official said.

Initial investigations revealed that the rescued laborers were roped in by B. Jayamani, 52, a landlord, to work on five acres of agricultural land a few years ago. They were paid ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 in advance.

Officials said those rescued were forced to stay in small huts without proper access to drinking water and toilets and forced to work more than 15 hours a day. They told officials that the commander and his men would beat them if they stood in the shade or even drank water, officials said.

They were given release certificates to help them get financial aid and access government programs, officials said.

Published – 13 Sep 2026 20:21 IST